Malinga is accused of having misled Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala and depty president Jayantha Dharmadasa into including him in the final 15.

Critics says Malinga, who is yet to be fully fit, has denied the opportunity for a youngster to gain experience.

This is said to be the first time that an ailing player has been named for a tournament.

Critics also point out that Malinga has been playing in the Indian Premier League for eight years continually now, and is giving priority to the IPL over national commitments.

Vandersay is good for Tests

Meanwhile, head coach Graham Ford has criticized the inclusion of spinner Jeffrey Vandersay for the T-20 Asia Cup.

Without ruining his career by playing him for T-20 matches, he should be encouraged to perform better in Tests, Ford has said.