The decision was made after an appeal from the former players

A statement issued by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the Interim Committee decided to lift the ban on 16 September after considering an appeal made by the former national players on 16 September.

"The Interim Committee agreed to release them to play club cricket considering their expertise and knowledge which could benefit other young players at club level," it said.

The Interim Committee agreed to release them to play club cricket considering their expertise and knowledge which could benefit other young players at club level SLC statement

The previous interim administration chaired by Jayantha Dharmadasa decided to impose a ban on all players taking part in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) which is not approved by the Indian cricket authorities.

Former Sri Lanka captain Marvan Attapattu and Russell Arnold, Upul Chandana, Avishka Gunawardene and Saman Jayantha, who have signed contracts with the ICL, were not allowed to take part in domestic tournaments as a result.

However, senior Sri Lankan players including skipper Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara are taking part in the ICC-backed Indian Premier League (IPL).

Current SLC chairman Arjuna Ranatunga's latest decision will shock the Indian board with whom Mr. Ranatunga is already at loggerheads, Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror said.