Jayawardene pulls out of Lancashire stint 'for personal reasons'

Mahela Jayawardene will not play in this year's NatWest T20 Blast for "personal reasons", Lancashire have confirmed.

Lancashire Lightning last month announced the signing of the former Sri Lanka Captain and current Mumbai Indians Head Coach, who expressed his desire to inspire the club to T20 glory.

The 39-year-old was set to join up with the squad later this month ahead of the opening game against Durham Jets on Friday 7th July but, following news the 39-year-old no longer plans to take part in the tournament, head coach Glen Chapple said: "It's disappointing that Mahela won't be joining us for the upcoming T20 campaign."

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"We are currently reviewing and reassessing all options from a player perspective ahead of the NatWest T20 Blast campaign in light of this news."

Jayawardene, who retired from internationals in 2015, made 448 ODI appearances and played in 149 Tests, scoring almost 12,000 runs at an average of just below 50.

Since stepping down from international duty he has gone on to play in T20 leagues around the world, featuring for Sussex and Somerset in the T20 Blast.

Jayawardene said: "I am very disappointed to be unable to join Lancashire Lightning in the upcoming NatWest T20 Blast as planned.

"I would like to wish the Club a successful campaign this year."

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