SLC clarifies reports on World Cup captaincy
(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO)- National Cricket selectors are slated to convene on Thursday to decide on the Sri Lanka’s squad and the Captain of the team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Despite several media assertions, SLC has confirmed it has not decided on the captaincy thus far.
Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne who has not played a One-Day International for Sri Lanka for four years are all in contention to lead the national team at the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Speaking to prominent online news portal, SLC Chief Selector Ashantha De Mel said selectors will convene on Thursday to finalise the probable 15-man squad and the Captain.
The touring party must be subsequently ratified by the Minister of Sports.
Chief Selector De Mel said members cannot take arbitrary decisions and noted the naming of squad will be heavily influenced by injury concerns.
He also rejected media reports that claimed a player had rejected to lead the team while another has presented pre-conditions to remain as the national ODI captain during the 2019 World Cup.
Chief Selector Ashantha De Mel said some factions including media are attempting to influence the selection based on individual preferences.
However he said the national selection panel will name the squad based on availability and the composition suited for English conditions in order to have a successful World Cup campaign.
The 2019 World Cup Squad must be named before the 23rd of April.
New Zealand and Australia have named their respective squads so far.
The 2019 Cricket World Cup will get underway on the 30th of May in England.
Sri Lanka will kick-start the campaign against New Zealand on the 1st of June in Cardiff.