After India revolutionized the game of cricket with the Indian Premier League, many countries started following the same format. While Pakistan and Bangladesh have their tournaments, it is the turn of Sri Lanka to start a league of its own.
After the retirement of the legends, Sri Lankan cricket is at rock-bottom at the moment. In terms of finances too, the board is struggling. The COVID-19 pandemic was another blow to the game in the island-nation. However, with the new league, there is a promise of the sport returning back to the top in the country. A five-team competition, the LPL would follow the same pattern as the other leagues. Interestingly, along with players from other nations, LPL would also play host to some Indian professionals.
BCCI does not allow Indian players to take part in foreign leagues. However, in recent months, players are finding a way to participate in these tournaments by exiting from the authority of BCCI. The likes of Yuvraj Singh and Praveen Tambe have started the trend, and it is set to continue with the upcoming LPL. On that note, here are four Indian players who will take part in the Lankan Premier League.
1. Manpreet Gony – Colombo Kings
Manpreet Gony is one of the pioneers of the movement in the country. He has already taken part in multiple foreign tournaments. In the LPL, he will play for Colombo Kings, the Angelo Mathews-led squad based out of the country’s capital. The former India international is a swing bowler who can also wield his bat in the lower order. Gony has played for teams like CSK in the past. He will be joined by other prominent players like Isuru Udana, Andre Russell, and Dinesh Chandimal in the squad.
2. Sudeep Tyagi – Dambulla Viiking
Sudeep Tyagi recently announced his retirement from the game. Soon after, he traveled to Sri Lanka to participate in the upcoming competition. Like Gony, Tyagi also broke through the scene with his performances for CSK. Although he did play for India later, things did not go the desired route for the pacer. In LPL, he will play alongside Dasun Shanaka, Samit Patel, and Niroshan Dickwella.
3. Irfan Pathan – Kandy Tuskers
Well, he will be one of the star attractions in the upcoming tournament. A T20 World Cup winner, Irfan Pathan would return to the game in Sri Lanka. We are well aware of his attributes as a cricketer, and hopefully, he comes good in his new assignment. He would also be one of the main reasons why the competition will be watched in India. The all-rounder still has plenty of fans, and surely, the Sri Lankan board can benefit from this.
4. Munaf Patel – Kandy Tuskers
Munaf Patel recently came out of retirement. His intentions were clear as he decided to take part in the LPL. The pacer was once a constant part of the Indian Team. He was part of the team that won the 50-over World Cup in 2011. Munaf’s strengths lie in his ability to swing the ball, and his variations when the ball gets old. He is also someone who is known for his big hits in the final few overs of the innings. At Kandy Tuskers, the player will be joined by Irfan Pathan, Dale Steyn, Nuwan Pradeep, Kusal Perera, and Kusal Mendis.
