Afridi misses flight, Bhanuka Rajapaksa tipped to lead Gladiators

By Bipin Dani

Bhanuka Rajapaksa may be asked to lead the Galle Gladiators team in the absence of Shahid Afridi, who missed his flight to Sri Lanka this morning. 

"Missed my flight to Colombo today morning. Nothing to worry. I'll be reaching soon to take part in the LPL for Galle Gladiators. Look forward to joining my teammates," Afridi tweeted. 

He is expected to take another flight later in the day. 

Gladiators coach Moin Khan told the Daily Mirror that the tournament organizers have been informed about the late arrival of Afridi. 

"We have informed the concerned authorities (Sri Lanka Cricket and IPG) about the late arrival of Afridi to the tournament," the coach said. 

"We have Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Mohammad Amir as two options (for the captaincy and vice captaincy," the coach added. 

Afridi will presumably have to undergo the seven days of quarantine: "There is no relaxation on the strict quarantine rules," a medical official attached to the tournament confirmed. 

This could mean that Afridi will miss the Gladiators’ first two matches on November 27 and 28. 

The arrival of team mentor Wasim Akram is also delayed. 

"Wasim Bhai is having some personal issues. Hopefully he will join but can't confirm the date," Khan concluded.