Jayasuriya against junior Sri Lankans playing in IPL

Bangalore - Sri Lanka chief cricket selector Sanath Jayasuriya is not in favour of junior players of his country playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament as they adopt different technique in the shorter version (T20) of the game.

“I personally feel our youngsters should keep away from IPL as they adopt different technique playing in the T20 format, which is detrimental to them in the long run,” the former Lankan skipper told reporters at a promotional event here Friday.

Admitting that playing in such a T20 game should be left to an individual decision, the dashing south paw said seniors with experience would, however, benefit a lot as they could adopt with ease from the longer to shorter format.

“It is left to individual player’s discretion to decide which of the format is good for them,” Jayasuriya said at a roadshow to promote international tourism in the pearl-shaped scenic island, organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Noting that the Sri Lankan team was also going through a transition phase as its counterparts in India and Australia, the former opener said Angelo Mathew had been made captain and Dinesh Chandimal vice-captain for a smooth change over.

“We have selected a few youngsters to get groomed during the transition and benefit from the rich experience of their seniors who will make way for others in course of time,” he said.

Seniors like keeper Kumara Sangakkara, Test opener Tillekratne Dilshan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene and star batter Thilan Samaraweera will be quitting the longer version of the game (tests) in the coming years.

On Sri Lanka’s poor record of winning away matches, Jayasuriya said the boys had to concentrate more on Test cricket by working hard in both batting and bowling to endure the game lasting four-five days.

“It is unfortunate that out team lost in the recent Australia series though it played well in the last (third) Test at Sydney. To strengthen our bowling side, we have selected former left-arm pacer Chaminda Vaas as new bowling coach,” he added.

Sri Lankan World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga was also present on the occasion as ambassadors of their country to woo Indian tourists to the island nation.

The Sri Lankan Tourism Bureau is hosting a three day trade and travel fair in the city since Thursday to provide opportunities for Indian tour and travel agents to do business in the South Asian country.