Opted out of IPL 7 due to national commitments - Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara has opted out of this year’s IPL auctions as he would not be available for the major part of the tournament, which runs close to 2 months, due to his national commitments in the months of April and May. Sangakkara who had earlier requested the authorities to leave his name out has now explained the rationale behind arriving at such a decision. The chances of getting a more lucrative contract next year also seems to have played in his mind.

Sangakkara was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “It’s primarily a pragmatic decision. Two-and-a-half weeks of availability is not attractive to franchises, so the chances of getting a better contract are higher next year, when I will be available for the whole tournament. The new rules allowing franchises to re-evaluate their squads each year mean that players from teams that have a busier schedule next year will be less attractive. That, in turn, may mean there are more funds available to fresh entrants.”

The new IPL rule allows franchises to reassess and crop their players’ stocks annually, which would work to Sangakkara’s advantage in 2015.

Sangakkara further said, ??”It also allows me to have some time at home with my family.

“And I can do some preparation work for the England tour, with a focus on maintaining my fitness. I think all those factors contributed to the final decision.

“It’s a decision that carries some risk, because you never know how things will pan out next year, but I feel it’s the right one.”