IPL pulls SL players out of Chennai

The Indian Premier League Governing Council on Tuesday has said that no Sri Lankan players will play in Chennai in the upcoming IPL 6 edition which starts from April 3.

However, Sri Lankan players will be allowed to play in other states across India.

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahidananda Aluthgame told Cricketnext, "We have not got this in writing, but we will put this across to the cricket board of Sri Lanka."

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kariyavasan also said, "Sports and politics should not be mixed. I have been in touch with India over the cricketers' security and we have advised Sri Lankans to be cautious in Tamil Nadu."

Earlier on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa wrote to the Prime Minister stating categorically that the 13 Sri Lankan cricketers in the IPL will not be allowed to play matches held in Chennai.

IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla also told a news channel that the security of Sri Lankan players is most important.

"The cooperation of the local administration is required. We have to keep the sentiments of the local people in mind as well as the security of Lankan players. We are reviewing the situation with BCCI chief N Srinivasan and will take a decision keeping both issues in mind," said Shukla.

The sixth edition of the IPL is scheduled to be held from April 3 and will be played in different locations in the country over 45 days. Ten matches are to be played in Chennai, which also has a home team in the Chennai Super Kings, with two Sri Lankan players in it.

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