Lanka Premier League: Shahid Afridi to take the captaincy role for Galle Gladiators
Lanka Premier League’s inauguration starts next week, and Shahid Afridi has been responsible for leading Galle Gladiators as a captain in LPL this year.
Galle Gladiators have closed the decision of captaincy by choosing the Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi this season and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as his deputy for the upcoming LPL.
The franchise tweeted recently:
“#GalleGladiators name superstar @SAfridiOfficial as captain, #BhanukaRajapaksa as vice-captain.”
Afridi has recently played in the Pakistan Super League’s playoffs. He took three wickets and scored 12 runs in two matches he played for Multan Sultan. On Saturday, the Sri Lankan cricket board stated that there would be no tolerance policy against any wrongdoings done by the players.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s Anti-Corruption Unit (SLC ACU) has collaborated with International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC ACU) to look after any corruption activities in Lankan Premier League. The relevant inspectors will be present at every event, match, and official functions throughout the league at venues and hotels.
The participants and the officials are obliged to report any corrupt activity to the Anti-Corruption Managers (ACMs) appointed for the LPL. Such activities will be taken into strict action by the anti-corruption unit in charge.
LPL’s inauguration starts next week despite the star player have been pulled out of the tournament, including Chris Gayle and Lasith Malinga. Chris Gayle has apologized to LPL for quitting the league because he is suffering from an injury, and he will be on rest. Lasith Malinga has also decided to quit the league due to insufficient preparation for the tournamnet.
LPL consist of five teams, including Colombo Kings, Dambulla Viiking, Galle Gladiators, Jaffna Stallions, and Kandy Tuskers. They will compete for the title in 23 matches. The league starts on 26th November with an opening match between Colombo Kings and Kandy Tuskers at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
There will be doubleheaders every day till the semi-final rounds. The semi-final will be played on December 13 and 14, and the final will be played on 16th November at the Sooriyawewa stadium near Hambantota.