Irfan Pathan set to be biggest attraction in Sri Lanka Premier League: Report

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan could be back in action after reports emerged that cricketer has shown interest in playing in Sri Lanka Premier League 2020. Pathan h called time on his cricket career earlier this year ending his two-dece association with sport at highest level. 

Irfan Pathan played 24 T20I matches for India in which he picked up 28 wickets. Pathan was also part of Indian team which won inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Coming to his IPL career, Pathan has played a total of 177 T20s, while representing likes of Sunrisers Hyderab, Rising Pune Supergiants, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings in IPL.

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Irfan Pathan could feature in Sri Lanka Premier League 2020

Irfan Pathan was last seen in action for India Legends during Ro Safety World Series back in March before COVID-19 brought cricket season to a standstill. According to report in Dailynews, along with Irfan Pathan, New Zealand star Martin Guptill has shown an interest in playing in tournament.

Pathan's presence could be huge for league, although it remains to be seen wher he can actually play due to international travel restrictions in India at moment.

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A higher official from Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) while speaking to publication has revealed that re are about 143 overseas players in list who are very keen to play in this tournament and w it is up to respective franchises to select se cricketers. 

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He furr said that SLC has also asked local clubs to minate two players for this event and so re would be a total of 48 top domestic players from 24 Premier Clubs who would be eligible to represent four franchises. He also said that SLC has a total 80 national players who are currently contracted with SLC and y will also be strong contenders to make it to final squ.

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Sri Lanka Premier League 2020 to affect CPL 2020 and IPL 2020

inaugural Sri Lanka Premier League 2020, which will be held from August 28 to September 20, 2020, is also likely to affect  Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2020), which is set to start next month in Trinid.  CPL 2020 will begin on August 18 with final scheduled for September 10 but  availability of Sri Lanka players is in serious doubt.

According to a report in InsideSport, Sri Lanka cricketers Dasun Shanaka, Avishka Fernando, Wanidu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were among players who h requested cricket board for Cs to play in CPL 2020. Apart from CPL 2020, Sri Lanka Premier League 2020 is also likely to affect teams in upcoming IPL 2020. after BCCI moved  cash-rich league to UAE. IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19, however, arrival of Lanka pacers Lasith Malinga and Isuru Udana could be delayed.

Malinga was retained by Mumbai Indians, while Isuru Udana was roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during IPL 2020 auction. Mumbai Indians franchise is also likely to be hit by initial absence of ir he coach Mahela Jayawardene. Even though official line-up has been confirmed yet by Sri Lanka Cricket yet, former Sri Lankan captain is likely to coach one of five competing teams in tournament.

(COVER IM: IRFAN PATHAN / INSTAGRAM)