Malinga likely to miss Champions League

Lasith Malinga is almost certain to miss both Sri Lanka's tour of Zimbabwe and the Champions League, due to personal commitments. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed they have received Malinga's leave request, while Mumbai Indians have also been informed of his plans.

"We haven't had the time to approve his request yet, because we only got it from him on Friday," SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said. "But since it is a personal reason, I don't think there will be any problem."

Malinga will be with his wife and family during his time off, as they expect their second child late in September. He will forego 20% of his annual IPL salary if he misses the Champions League, in addition to losing out on match fees. ESPNcricinfo understands, however, there is still a small chance he may play in the tournament.

Malinga is currently in the Caribbean, having played two matches for the Guyana Amazon Warriors CPL franchise, including Saturday's final.

Mumbai Indians play their first Champions League match on September 21, and the tournament finishes on October 6. Sri Lanka's limited-overs matches in Zimbabwe begin on October 26.