Malinga likely to miss Champions League

Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is likely to miss playing for Mumbai Indians in next month's Champions League T20 to be played in India due to some family commitments.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed receiving Malinga's leave request while his Indian franchise Mumbai Indians, who won the IPL this year, have also been informed. Malinga's wife is due with their second child during that time.

"We haven't had the time to approve his request yet, because we only got it from him on Friday. But since it is a personal reason, I don't think there will be any problem," SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

His leave request extends to Sri Lanka's tour of Zimbabwe, which follows the Champions League, from October 10.

Malinga, who played for Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise in Saturday’s Caribbean Premier League final, wants to be with his wife and family during his time off, as they expect their child late in September.

Mumbai Indians begin their Champions League campaign on September 21 while the limited-overs matches in Zimbabwe start from October 26.

Image: Lasith Malinga