Sri Lanka is set to extend a deadline to recall its players from the IPL to avoid embarrassing India, the country's sports minister said on Thursday.
“We are favourably looking at giving players more time to play the IPL before joining the team for the England tour,” Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.
“We have excellent relations with the Government of India and the Indian cricket board. We don't want to upset India. We don't want to embarrass them (BCCI).”
Aluthgamage said he would meet cricket administrators shortly and suggest players be allowed to join the team by May 18 in London.
The change of heart comes days after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) ordered its IPL players home by May 5 to prepare for the tour of England, more than three weeks before the money-spinning Twenty20 tournament ends. — AFP
