Of all the teams in the IPL, Kochi Tuskers Kerala would be one of the hardest hit if the Sri Lanka board remains adamant on calling back their national players for the upcoming England tour before the IPL ends.
Not only are they led by a Sri Lankan but Mahela Jayawardene is also one of their leading run-scorers. Thisara Perera and Muttiah Muralitharan are the other two players in the squad but the latter will not have to go back since he has already retired.
"As of now, we are scheduled to leave on May 5," said Jayawardene during Kochi Tuskers' press conference on Sunday. "It is something I guess the boards have to sort," he said. "It is Sinhalese New Year's time so offices are closed. They will start dialogue as soon as possible."
Asked if he knew whether Sri Lanka players had received NOCs from their board allowing them to play till almost the end of the IPL, Jayawardene said he wasn't sure.
"Again, this was something that was discussed by the two boards and we absolutely no idea about the duration of the NOCs," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"Again, this was something that was discussed by the two boards and we absolutely no idea about the duration of the NOCs," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Brendon McCullum, who was seated beside him during the press conference, is tipped to succeed Jayawardene if the Sri Lankan has to leave. Probably still mindful of the horrid time McCullum had to endure leading Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2009 season of the IPL, he said: "Hopefully, Jayawardene will stay," smiled McCullum.