SL cricketers will participate in IPL: Mendis

Mumbai: The chief executive officer of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Duleep Mendis on Wednesday told Neo Cricket that Sri Lankan cricketers will participate in the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Just 36 hours after the Lahore terrorist attack which left six Sri Lankan cricket team members – Mahela Jayawardene, Kumara Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavithana, Thilan Samaraweera and Paul Farbrace (assistant coach) – injured and 8 security personnel killed, Mendis said: “We will have to look ahead and the game has to go on. We back the BCCI and the Indian Premier League. And Sri Lankan cricketers will love be a part of the second edition of the IPL.”

Speaking about the injuries to the Sri Lankan players, Mendis said: "Paranawitharana has suffered a bullet injury in his shoulder while others have injuries minor injuries. They are safe now but we are trying to get them out as soon as possible."

"This was not just an attack on the cricketers, it was an attack on the spirit of sports. We are inevitably apprehensive about security issues but we want to carry on with the game and our only concern is the cricket and nothing else.”

Business tycoon Ness Wadia, who has a close association with two Sri Lankan players – Kumara Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene – as they play for his IPL Team Kings XI Punjab, said: "The attack targeted the entire world. It was an act of cowardice. The players, who work for the betterment of ties and to bring harmony in international relations, should be kept away from conflicts."