Chris Gayle and Lasith Malinga are some of the big names to pull out from the Lanka Premier League scheduled to happen between November 26 and December 16. The reasons for their withdrawal from the tournament are very different to each other and personal as well. This has just added to the insecurity of the tournament with it being postponed twice before due to logistical reasons. Initially, the LPL was set to take place between August 28 to September 20, but was postponed due to the constantly evolving Covid-19 situation.

 Lasith Malinga pulled out of the tournament citing less preparation time. In an interaction with ESPN Cricinfo, Malinga said that he did not play enough cricket in the last six months and thus the preparation time given to him is not enough he feels.

“It’s not easy for a bowler to play at a high level without training. At the LPL they also have matches on back-to-back days. So I decided not to play the tournament” Malinga said.

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In another interaction with News Wire, Malinga spoke on why he pulled out of the tournament. 

 “I wish the LPL all the success. Some will wonder why the lack of preparation is a problem for someone who has played so much cricket. You can’t do this by just preparing in your gym at home. Before I bowl a yorker in a match, I practice bowling that delivery about a thousand times. It is not something that happens by accident,” stated Malinga. 

Lasith Malinga Slams Critics

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan legend has been coping with constant criticism for pulling out of the tournament. He has also replied this criticism in his own way saying that you have to take criticisms in your stride as well. 

“No matter what you achieve, sometimes you have to take the criticism too. The world knows what I have done for my country. The people who love me know it too. That is enough for me,” Malinga concluded.

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