S Lanka selectors question Malinga's injury claims

Chief selector Duleep Mendis said today that Malinga wrote to the board to say he was unavailable for the three tests starting from May 26. "It looks a bit awkward that he (Malinga) says that he is injured and continues to play cricket," Mendis said.

"When a player says he is injured we want him to undergo a rehabilitation program immediately without playing cricket." Mendis said the selectors will inform the fast bowler, a standout in 30 tests and 84 one-dayers, that he should be fit to play for the national team.

Malinga's choice has reopened the country-versus-club debate. Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said national team players in the IPL will have to return home early for practices before traveling to England. He said in future, permission for players to participate in foreign leagues will be given only when it doesn't affect the national cricket calendar.

Besides Malinga, captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, former skipper Kumar Sangakkara and star Mahela Jayawardene were playing for various franchises in the IPL. Indian cricket authorities asked Sri Lanka to reconsider their decision to ask the players to return by May 5, but the ruling will not be changed, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said.