Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has opted out of the upcoming white ball series against India and “national duties” in general “until further notice”, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement on Wednesday.
SLC said that 29 out 30 players nominated by selectors to be considered for the series have signed the tour contract.
“Angelo Mathews, who was included in the respective 30-member squad, requested Sri Lanka Cricket to relieve him from National Duties, owing to personal reasons, until further notice,” said the SLC.
Mathews last played for Sri Lanka in a Test match against Bangladesh in May.
Sri Lanka’s players had refused to sign tour contracts for their away series against England amid a tussle with SLC about lack of transparency in central contracts. The players travelled for the tour anyhow and Sri Lanka returned winless. Moreover, vice-captain Kusal Mendis, opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka and wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella were sent home pending inquiry for breaching bio-bubble rules.
With the central contract standoff continuing, it is reported that SLC will only be signing a succession of tour contracts with the players.
Sri Lanka’s series against India starts on July 13. The teams face each other in three ODIs and as many T20Is with all the matches being played in Colombo.
