Sri Lanka bans foreign contracts until World Cup

Sri Lanka have imposed a temporary ban on their cricketers playing in foreign leagues to help them select a squad for next year's World Cup.



Brian Thomas, Sri Lanka Cricket media manager, says the ban affected 76 players, who are set to be sent away to a camp so they can be assessed by national selectors.



Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya and seam bowler Chaminda Vaas, who currently are playing for English counties Worcestershire and Northamptonshire respectively, are among the players expected to return home.



Sri Lanka are one of the co-hosts of the World Cup starting next February, along with India and Bangladesh, and will be looking to repeat their tournament success in 1996.



Former batsman Aravinda de Silva was recently appointed as chief selector.