COLOMBO, Nov 17: Former Sri Lankan Test and one-day player Upul Chandana has defied a local ban and joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Chandana, a 35-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder, departed here on Friday to appear for Kolkata Tigers in the ICL, the unofficial Twenty20 competition in India.

“This opportunity came my way after I announced my retirement and I am happy to accept that,” Chandana told reporters at the airport.

He retired from international cricket in early September, blaming the selectors for constantly overlooking him. Chandana has played 16 Tests and 147 One-day Internationals, including his appearance in the 1996 World Cup winning team under Arjuna Ranatunga.

He becomes the first player to defy the local governing body’s threat to ban any player involved with the ICL, promoted by Zee telefilms of India.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) backs the rival IPL, promoted by the Indian cricket board.—AFP