Sri Lanka rejects BCCI's request to extend the stay of their players in the IPL

IPL4 News: Sri Lanka's move may irk BCCI

The Sri Lankan cricket board and government have decided to remain firm on their decision of calling back their players, playing in the IPL, by May 5. This decision may threaten to strain the relations between the two boards as BCCI, being the richest board, calls the shots in the regional cricket matters as well as in ICC.

SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket), earlier, had asked the players to return back to prepare for the upcoming tour to England. BCCI requested SLC to allow its players a lengthy stay, at-least till May 10.

Sri Lanka called all IPL players back in order to prepare for the full English tour which starts on May 10. Some eleven Sri Lankan players including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena and Tillakaratne Dilshan would have to cut short their lucrative IPL stints. Former captain Sangakkara had expressed hope that the matter would be settled amicably between the respective boards.

It was generally expected that SLC will accept BCCI's offer in order not to offend it as the former is under a serious financial deficit especially after the World Cup.But both the Minister of Sports Mahindanada Aluthgamage and the Cricket Board took the bold step of ignoring the Indian request.

Aluthgamage, Sri Lanka Cricket and the national selection committee has said: "Interests of Sri Lankan cricket is our priority and we would be sending a polite explanation on the decision to the Indians."