Munaf Patel to play LPL 2020 for Kandy Tuskers

Former Indian pacer Munaf Patel becomes another Indian cricketer after Irfan Pathan to sign a contract for playing in the inaugural edition of the Lankan Premier League (LPL) which will run from November 26 to December 16. Just like Pathan, Munaf has been signed by the Kandy Tuskers franchise and will pair up with his former Indian teammate in the league. 

Sharing this news on their official Twitter handle on Tuesday, November 18, LPL wrote, “Former India fast bowler Munaf Patel has signed a contract to @KandyTuskers.” 

While Kandy Tuskers is roping in new players in their squad, all is not well for Galle Gladiators as their main players including captain Sarfaraz Ahmed have opted out of the league. The former Pakistan captain pulled out his name from the 2020 edition of the Lankan League as he will be traveling with the Pakistan National team for the New Zealand tour. 

“Sarfaraz has been selected in the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand tour and hence he is not travelling (to Sri Lanka). Now we have to decide the new captain. Will sit with the team owner and the management and decide in a day or two.” Moin Khan, the Galle franchise coach, was quoted as saying by daily mirror. 

Lasith Malinga not sure about his participation in LPL 

Besides this, the presence of veteran pacer in LPL is not confirmed. Malinga was signed by Gladiators to lead their pace attack, however, the seamer is in two minds regarding his participation in the tournament.

Notably, Malinga had also pulled out from the just-concluded 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) citing personal reasons. 

Speaking about Malinga’s participation, Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar stated that they are trying their best to persuade Malinga as he will add great value to the franchise. 

“He has not been able to train for quite some time and is a little hesitant. We are persuading him to play. He is a celebrity and we don’t want to miss him,” team owner Nadeem Omar said.

Apart from this the Caribbean Superstar Chris Gayle is also not sure about his participation in the marquee event. He was roped in by Kandy Tuskers but it is speculated that the batter is now negotiating the terms of his contract with the Tuskers.