Jayasuriya shows red signal to ICL, against any 'unofficial set up'

Colombo, Aug 26 (UNI) Dashing Sri Lanka all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya has virtually shutdown all doors on the controversial Indian Cricket league (ICL) saying, he will not be 'a part of any unofficial set up'.

A local report here said that Jayasuriya, the world's most capped ODI player, has made his position clear when he re-confirmed his priorities with his employer Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

''My contract is with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and I will be playing in tournaments approved by SLC only,'' Jayasuriya was quoted by 'The Sunday Times' as saying.

There were unconfirmed reports in the local media that Jayasuriya was offered a lucrative amount and had requested his employer SLC to release him from his contract for a specified period.

However, the secretary of SLC K Mathivanan vehemently denied that the 38-year-old all-rounder had made any such requests to the cricketing board.

Jayasuriya's decision came couple of weeks after the SLC issued a strict warning of a possible life ban on the national cricketers who joins or intends to join the beleaguered private league.

''In the event any individual signs and/or participates in any tournament or league in any capacity whatsoever other than Sri Lanka Cricket approved tournaments, the individual concerned shall not be eligible to participate in any cricket related activities conducted under the auspices of the board,'' the SLC said.

Meanwhile, former skipper Marvan Atapattu, who earlier requested the SLC to exclude from the central contracts with the board, has reportedly chosen to continue his cricketing career in South African league.

Earlier, Atapattu's name was prominently tagged with the breakway league. But now it seems that the stylish batsman has decided otherwise and is likely to play Provincial Cricket in South Africa as a coach-cum-player.

Meanwhile, speculation is also rife that the multi-million dollar league has approached three more Lankan cricketers -- Russel Arnold, Nuwan Zoysa and Anil Rideegammanagedera, however, so far, no cricketer from the island ntion have joined the rebel band wagon as yet.

UNI