Sri Lanka stop Dilshan from joining NSW

New South Wales will look to the West Indies and New Zealand for an overseas player after Sri Lanka blocked Tillakaratne Dilshan from playing in the 2010-11 Big Bash. Dilshan, the explosive opener, signed with the Blues in March but his country wants him to avoid any unnecessary setbacks before next year's World Cup.

The move is a blow to the Blues and a spokesman said they had already started searching for a replacement after learning of the development over the past week. Nishantha Ranatunga, the Sri Lanka Cricket secretary, said their contract holders would not be able to play in overseas domestic leagues before the World Cup in February.

"The board has taken the position in consultation with the selectors and coaching staff," Ranatunga told Cricinfo. "The players will be focusing on the World Cup in 2011 and the decision has been made not to release any of them for any domestic tournament."

Dilshan was Northern Districts' overseas signing last season in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 competition before planning his switch to Australia. He has scored at a strike-rate of 120.50 in 31 Twenty20 internationals, but New South Wales will still have a powerful top order including the locals David Warner, Phillip Hughes and Phil Jaques.

While the Blues won the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in India, they failed to qualify for the 2010 event after finishing second last in the Big Bash. West Indians have been in high demand with the states, who are allowed to bring in two overseas stars each.

Chris Gayle and Kemar Roach have been contracted by Western Australia and Dwayne Bravo (Victoria) and Kieron Pollard (South Australia) will also take part. Securing the best New Zealanders could also be difficult as their internationals are involved in local campaigns in January.

Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori are the most attractive options from New Zealand, although they will also want to try qualifying for the Champions League through their domestic sides. Vettori (Queensland) and Taylor (Victoria) both made guest appearances last summer while McCullum was a controversial late addition in New South Wales' final victory in 2008-09.

Tasmania were initially hopeful of attracting Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews before being told of Sri Lanka's plans to protect their players. Instead the Tigers re-signed the Pakistani Naved-ul-Hasan, who is currently banned for a year by his country following his performances on the 2009-10 tour of Australia.