Media reports of top Sri Lanka cricketers migrating to USA to play professional cricket have already been refuted by players itself. Now, USA Cricket national selector Sajith Fernando has also termed these claims ‘baseless’.
Few days ago, Sri Lanka news paper The Morning had reported that a large number of Sri Lanka national and first-class cricketers are planning to migrate to USA for professional cricket, sending shockwaves to the country’s cricket future. The players who are to retire and migrate to play for USA soon include allegedly leading players such as Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha Chameera, Amila Aponso, Malinda Pushpakumara, Dilshan Munaweera, Lahiru Madushanka, Manoj Sarathchandra and Nishan Peiris.
Commenting on the report, Sri Lankan cricketers Upul Tharanga, Malinda Pushpakumara, Dushmantha Chameera have refuted the report.
Sajith, a former Sri Lanka domestic legend, has also denied these rumors.
“These all are fake news being reported regarding current Sri Lanka cricketers migrating to USA. Yes some first class cricketers and past Sri Lanka cricketers would like to come and play the minor league tournament and major league tournament in USA. For them to qualify to play for USA they will have to wait 3 years minimum. In this scenario, no current player has shown willingness to come and play here” National Selector of USA Sajith Fernando told Cricket Age.
Sajith also defended USA Cricket, stating the board has not involved in Sri Lanka players migration saga.
“USA cricket is not fit involved at any level. Instead, the Franchise Owners of these leagues are approaching players and negotiating with them” he added.
