Reigning premier Darley is without a player in Ballarat Cricket Association's preliminary squad for Melbourne Country Week next month.
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The Lions had four selected in the initial squad, but Danza Hyatt, Dilan Chandima, Hasi Wickramasinghe and Madushanka Ekanayaka have all pulled out.
Chairman of selectors Peter Brady confirmed the withdrawals from the back-to-back premier.
He said while it was disappointing, selectors remained pleased with the depth of talent available.
Twenty players from eight clubs remain in the squad for the Victorian Country Cricket League carnival on February 14-18.
Clubs have been given until the third week of this month confirm whether players named are available, with the final team of 14 to be announced no later than Friday, January 28.
Brady said once the team was finalised there would be a short, sharp preparation, with a practice match against a BCA "emerging" side a possible warm-up fixture.
The BCA has selected an 'emerging" squad to play Hamilton in a Melbourne Country Week centenary match on Sunday, February 13.
