Faced with the looming threat on the safety of Sri Lankan players taking part in the upcoming Indian Premier League, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has sought government’s advise on the cricketers who are scheduled to play in Chennai.

Nishantha Ranatunga, the SLC secretary said that they have sought the External Affairs Ministry’s advise and hence, the players would be given suggestions depending on the MEA instructions.

About 13 Sri Lankan players have signed up to play for different franchises in the sixth edition of the IPL. Opening bowler Nuwan Kulasekera and the rookie off spinner Akila Dhananjaya are a part of the Chennai Super Kings side.

Sports Minister Mahinda Aluthgamage has said that they have made a request through the Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Ministry to India, asking them for a security guarantee for Sri Lankan players participating in the IPL.

Speaking to the Times Now channel, Aluthgamage said that if the government could guarantee the players safety in Chennai, the players would be allowed to participate. However he added that “if the government can only guarantee security in sectors other than Chennai, they can play in those venues. No problem”

Aluthgamage’s comments come in the wake of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, asking him to direct the BCCI to ensure that no Sri Lankan players are allowed to participate in Chennai matches.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, who had previously objected to Sri Lankan military personnel being trained in the State, stands opposed to Sri Lanka sporting teams and individuals performing in the State.

The Island nationals including Buddhist monks and some Sri Lanka linked property have come under attack in the recent weeks in Chennai leading to the UN rights body resolution against Lankans.

Eight of the nine IPL franchises have Sri Lankan players in their roster. The IPL had reportedly written to the franchises suggesting they do not pick their Sri Lankan players for matches in Chennai.

IPL teams had however, requested the IPL governing council to move matches away from Chennai but IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the governing council was happy with the security situation in Chennai.

So far the BCCI has said it has no plans to shift IPL games out of Chennai despite threats by Tamil activists to disrupt games involving Sri Lankan players.

- Agencies