Mumbai Indians bowling mentor Lasith Malinga has been directed by the Sri Lanka Cricket selectors to return home and feature in domestic tournaments in order to be picked for the national side. The 34-year-old was neither retained nor picked by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2018 season. The veteran pacer was, however, later offered mentorship role in the franchise. And is currently busy with his assignment in the ongoing IPL.

Meanwhile, the pacer reportedly has stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018 and will miss the start of Sri Lanka’s domestic Inter-Provincial one-day tournament. “The selectors wanted him back, and he has to play domestic cricket according to them. We’re playing our white-ball tournament, and 50-over and T20. I’m sure before the next international engagement which is South Africa and then the Asia Cup and so forth, he needs to play T20 games and 50 overs. If Lasith is not playing a domestic tournament, the selectors will have to make a call.” SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. IPL 2018 Diaries: Mumbai Indians’ Punishment Routine Continues

“We have informed Lasith that he has been selected. If he doesn’t play the Inter-Provincial tournament, it is unlikely that the selectors will consider him,” said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.

It will be interesting to see whether Malinga makes it to the Sri Lankan squad for the limited-overs leg of home series against South Africa which comprises of five ODIs and a T20 International.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2018 04:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).