Sri Lanka’s limited over skipper Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga have been denied No Objection Certificates (NOC) to play in the inaugural edition of the United States T20 League. Ashley de Silva, SLC’s Chief Executive, told the Sunday Times that the board turned down their request following the decision to allow only two foreign league appearances for Sri Lankan players.

The inaugural edition of the Major League T20 tournament will be played between July 13 and 30 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. Shanaka was picked by Seattle Orcas while Washington Freedom signed up star spinner Hasaranga for this maiden tournament.

“We (SLC) have decided to allow only four leagues per year including our two leagues–Lanka Premier League and the proposed T10 League. So we have turned down their requests,” said de Silva.

Shanaka, who represented Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, also represented Peshawar Zalmi during the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He also represented Dubai Capitals at the International League T20 (ILT20), making it three foreign leagues for the year.

Wanindu on the other hand, had already done two leagues, having represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and Desert Vipers at the ILT20. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has gone out of national radar, has played in four foreign leagues this year, having featured in the IPL, PSL, BPL and ILT20.

“True there are some players who have played more than two leagues this year but in future, they will only be allowed two foreign leagues,” said SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva.

Hasaranga was to play for Quetta Gladiators at this year’s PSL but pulled out as Sri Lanka looked to manage his workload. He also missed out on last year’s the Hundred tournament when SLC denied him the NOC to sign up a £100,000 deal with Manchester Originals.

(sundaytimes.lk)