CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings is set to drop Sri Lankan recruits Nuwan Kulasekara and Akila Dhananjaya for the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League, starting on April 3. It is being seen as a compromise formula to appease the Tamil Nadu government, which is not in favour of Sri Lankan sportsmen playing in the city following the current political unrest.
The IPL commission is not in a position to ask franchises to drop Sri Lankan players – Kumar Sangakkara, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Matthews, Ajantha Mendis and Mahela Jayawardene – for matches to be played in Chennai, which also include two eliminators, sources said. However, two-time champion CSK, on its own, can drop the players as a gesture to the sentiments of the people of the state over the Tamil issue.
Paceman Kulasekara is a vital cog in the CSK wheel, while offie Dhananjaya was picked during this year’s auction. The CSK bosses are ready to “sacrifice” both for the full season so that the IPL matches stay in Chennai. The first home match is against Mumbai Indians on April 6, and preparations have already began.
Source: The Times of India
