Shammi Silva, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), on Thursday, said that even as Lasith Malinga gives his best for the country, if he announces his retirement then the board would name his replacement.
The selection committee, on Thursday, announced the 15-members preliminary squad for the World Cup, by including Malinga after removing him from the captaincy a day before.
Few hours before his removal from the captaincy, Malinga, on Wednesday, had sent a cryptic message to few people in Sri Lanka cricket, stating that he might not play for Sri Lanka again. There are still rumors going on that the iconic bowler may announce his retirement tonight.
“Lasith Malinga is a player who plays for the country giving his best, we want him to play but if he takes a decision we can’t do anything about it, we will name a replacement” he said on Malinga’s retirement rumours.
Malinga, even though could not uplift the performance of the team under his captaincy so far, was hoping to lead the team in the mega event. In last two weeks, he has done everything (by playing in IPL and in domestic tournament tirelessly) to save his captaincy. After a long time, he is in devastating form with the ball for Mumbai Indians and more importantly has shown the commitment to lead the side in the mega event. However, his only shortcoming is that he doesn’t share a good rapport with Hathurusingha.
