BCCI not to allow Indian players in Sri Lanka Premier League

MUMBAI: The BCCI will not allow Indian cricket players to participate in the Sri Lanka Premier League, a move seen as protecting the Indian Premier League from facing any competition whatsoever.

The BCCI?s main contention is that if it permits Indian players to play in the Sri Lanka league, then it may set a precedent for other leagues across the world.

Though a severe setback, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to go ahead with the event with or without Indian partcipation.

SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said, "We will go ahead with the tournament with or without Indian players".

Ranatunga also said that SLC had not been officially told that Indian players would not take part in SLPL.

The league will take place in August before the Twenty20 World Cup. Last year the league did not take off as the BCCI did not allow Indian players to take part.