Disappointed with the continues ‘unreasonable’ snub from the national team, Sri Lanka’s most iconic shorter formats bowler Lasith Malinga has lashes out Chief selector Graeme Labrooy, after he couldn’t find a place in the Nidahas trophy, even as he has been picking loads of wickets in the ongoing Local T20 Tournament.
“What baffles me most is how I was not even good enough to be among the 20-man squad named,” Malinga reflected. “Leave aside all I have done over the last 14 years as a cricketer for this country, I was the second highest wicket taker in the domestic T20 tournament at the time of selection being made. What more can I do to prove myself?” Said a disappointed Malinga.
On February 17th, Prior to the start of local T20 tournament, Labrooy said that if Lasith Malinga would prove his fitness and form he will surely be considered for the Nidahas trophy. Malinga proved both : Form and Fitness. In Six matches of the tournament so far, he has picked 13 wickets with an economy rate of 6.50. He single handedly took his team NCC to semi finals with a stunning spell of 4-0-14-3. Yet, he was not picked in the squad for the Nidahas trophy!
“I have heard Labrooy saying they have not ruled me out completely, but are they waiting till I hit 40 to select me” asked an angry Malinga.
After Malinga’s continues impressive performances in the ongoing tournament, Labrooy came up once again to mislead Sri Lanka fans by stating that Malinga is still in their plans for 2019 world cup, but need to play more domestic matches. However, Malinga thoroughly exposed Labrooy intentions.
“Since the new selectors took over, I have not played a single game for my country. How can anyone decide whether I am good or bad, without giving me the opportunity? What yardstick do they use to assess my performance” he punctured Labrooy logic.
Malinga furthermore stated that though he himself doesn’t think of playing 50 over cricket for Sri Lanka, he believes he has two years left at a cricketer, in t20 cricket, and will continue to ask questions to selectors with his performances.
