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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former World Cup winning Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga has slammed the country’s cricket board for agreeing to play a ‘second string Indian side’ in the upcoming white ball series. An Indian team led by Shikhar Dhawan is currently touring Sri Lanka to play a three match ODI and T20I series starting from July 13

"This is a second-string Indian team and their coming here is an insult on our cricket. I blame the current administration for agreeing to play with them due to television marketing needs," Ranatunga, a government minister until two years ago, told reporters at his residence as reported by news agency PTI.

India, for the first time, decided to prepare two different teams for different formats to play at the same time in different parts of the world. While the Indian Test side led by Virat Kohli is currently in England preparing for the five-match Test series against the hosts, an Indian limited-overs side led by senior batsman Shikhar Dhawan is in Sri Lanka to play three ODIs and as many T20Is.

"India sent their best team to England and sent a weaker side to play here. I blame our board for that," added Ranatunga.

With Inputs from PTI