The life-ban ban revoked on Sri Lanka’s rebel cricketers who played in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) could be re-imposed, according to Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge, cricket365.com reported on its web site.

Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Avishka Gunawardena and Saman Jayantha were on Friday given permission to play in Sri Lanka’s domestic competition, despite their involvement with the Indian Cricket League.

Atapattu was reported to have told Cricinfo: "It’s a very strong message to other boards that have imposed similar bans."

However, the players’ joy may be short-lived as Lokuge is worried that the decision could upset the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the ICC, the report adds.

The minister was quoted as having said: "I don’t want our board to be against the BCCI and ICC. I have invited the board members for a meeting Tuesday (yesterday or Wednesday afternoon) for a meeting to convince me about their decision (on revoking ban).

"The decision by the interim committee was not taken with my consent and I am entitled to re-impose the ban," Lokuge added.