Sri Lankan players association concerned about safety during IPL

Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket Players' Association (SLCPA) has written to the Federation of International Cricketers' Association to assess the safety of its players during the sixth edition of the IPL, starting April 3. The safety concerns have been raised following the attacks against Sri Lankan nationals in Tamil Nadu.

SLCPA Chairman Ken de Alwis said that a letter had already been dispatched to the FICA and a response was awaited. Some 11 Sri Lankan players including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga are part of various IPL franchises. Some of them represent Chennai Super Kings who are based in the state where the recent anti-Sri Lankan attacks have happened.

At least two Buddhist monks came under attack in two separate incidents since Sunday, causing public anger here in Colombo. The attacks, Colombo maintains are isolated and carried out by a minority group who long for a revival of the LTTE in Sri Lanka.

Some 11 Sri Lankan players including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga are part of various IPL franchises.

After Sri Lanka Cricket Players' Association expressed concerns over ongoing attacks against Sri Lankan nationals in Tamil Nadu, IPL commissioner Rajiv Shukla said that there is no threat to the upcoming mega-tournament, scheduled to commence from April 3.

"There is no threat to the IPL. Matches will take place at the scheduled venues. Till now, we haven't seen any threat," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament. Asked about participation of Lankan players in the sixth season, Shukla said: "There is no team from Sri Lanka. There are individual players in few teams. We will see how to deal with it."

Earlier today, SLCPA has written to the Federation of International Cricketers' Association to assess the safety of its players during the tournament. At least two Buddhist monks came under attack in two separate incidents since Sunday, causing public anger in Colombo.

Around 11 Sri Lankan players including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga are part of various IPL franchises. Some of them represent Chennai Super Kings who are based in the state where the recent anti-Sri Lankan attacks have happened.

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