CLT20 2014: Lasith Malinga opts for Mumbai Indians over Southern Express
Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has chosen to represent Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians over Sri Lankan Super 4s T20 champions Southern Express for the Champions League T20 2014, despite being the captain of the latter.
As per the current player contracts, the individuals have the right to chose the team they wish to represent in the most rewarding T20 competition in the world.
"We wanted him to play for Southern Express. But Malinga wanted to play for the Mumbai Indians," said Nishantha Ranatunga, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) secretary, when asked about the 30-year-old’s decision.
Lasith Malinga decides to play for Mumbai Indians http://t.co/Sq1bJyjcUA | Sri Lanka Cricket
— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) July 29, 2014
The qualifiers of the CLT20 are scheduled to start from September 13 in Raipur. Mumbai Indians takes on Lahore Lions of Pakistan, before facing Southern Express on 14, both being night fixtures starting at 8 PM. Two days later, the Rohit Sharma-led side will be up against New Zealand’s HRV Twenty20 winners Northern Knights.
Top 2 teams from the group of 4 go through to the main event that begins on September 17 at Hyderabad, with the IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders opening their campaign against Chennai Super Kings in the opening fixture.
