Lanka Premier League 2020: Irfan Pathan confirms unavailability for LPL 2020

Irfan Pathan confirms unavailability: The former Indian all-rounder took to his social media platform Twitter handle to confirm the development.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has quashed all reports of him confirming availability for the inaugural season of the Lanka Premier League.

Following Sri Lanka Cricket’s confirmation regarding having 70 overseas cricketers on board for their maiden T20 competition since 2012, it was widely being speculated that Pathan was among one of the overseas names.

Having announced the tournament in June, it was only a week ago that SLC announced the possible window between August 28 – September 20. Given the much-improved COVID-19 status in the island nation, it remains an ideal venue to play cricket amidst the global pandemic.

Irfan Pathan confirms unavailability for LPL 2020

Pathan, 35, took to his social media platform Twitter to confirm unavailability with respect to Lanka Premier League 2020. “I wish to play T20 Legues around the world in future, but at this stage I haven’t confirmed my availability in any Leagues,” read Pathan’s tweet.

Pathan, who announced his retirement January thi year, is eligible to play in overseas T20 leagues as BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) doesn’t allow its active players to play outside the country. The southpaw was seen representing India Legends during the Road Safety World Series in March this year.

Apart from Pathan, the likes of Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and Pragyan Ojha have also opened up on playing in overseas T20 leagues. Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh had to withdraw his name from ECB’s The Hundred last year for he still is an active player for IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.

Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and fast bowler Manpreet Gony had represented Toronto Nationals in the second season of the Global T20 Canada last year but both did the same post announcing their international retirement.

Yuvraj, who announced international retirement in June 2019, also went on to represent Maratha Arabians in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.