Jayasuriya a chance for SL selection panel

Sanath Jayasuriya could be nominated for a place in the new selection panel, which is due to be named by the end of January, according to Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ajit Jayasekara.

SLC had already sent a list of 11 names to the sports minister who appoints the panel likely to comprise five selectors, but Jayasekara confirmed that more names will be added to that list. Jayasuriya is also an MP for the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance, of which sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage is also a member.

Jayasekara was unwilling to release the names of the additional nominees nor confirm their number, but said the names may be forwarded to the minister as early as Thursday evening. He also said that the sports minister had not asked SLC to provide more names, and that it was the board that had decided to expand the list of nominees. He did not explain what had prompted that decision saying, "not every decision needs a reason."

Jayasuriya played 110 Tests for Sri Lanka and led the side in both formats from 1999 to 2003. He retired officially from international cricket in June 2011, but had only regained his place in the team in 2008 after the then-sports minister intervened to have him included in the squad.

The present selectors' term ends at the end of January, and the new panel will first be tasked with naming Sri Lanka's Test and ODI captains for Bangladesh's tour of Sri Lanka in March.