Sri Lanka stated on Friday that they have filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the treatment and conditions meted to their T20 World Cup team in one of the co-hosts, United States.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando said that other teams were treated well and added that Sri Lanka made a formal protest after their side was delayed for seven hours at an airport in Florida.
He further said that upon arrival in New York. The national team of Sri Lanka was provided with accommodation. Which was over ninety minutes from the practice ground as opposed to India’s proximity to it.
Sri Lanka were beaten by South Africa by 6 wickets in their opener on Monday in New York.
“Sri Lankan cricket has complained to ICC,” Fernando told parliament. “Different countries are being treated differently. We have called for an explanation from the organizers of the tournament.”
According to Fernando, the sports ministry has sent an official to America to check on the welfare of team Sri Lanka.
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa disclosed that Sri Lankan parliament is collectively disappointed by these alleged circumstances.
“We are against this injustice, we cannot allow this,” he noted.
A former captain and current member of Sri Lankan T20 squad. Angelo Mathews described these past few days as “most challenging” when he spoke with local broadcaster Ada Derana TV.
“Practice grounds are not good. Wickets are not good. Last four, five days very challenging for us,” he said. “We had canceled practices because flight was late. We don’t want use it as an excuse; we are a team who won despite obstacles; we want put all behind us and do well on next match.”
Their next group game is against Asian neighbours Bangladesh on Saturday where they will play with this.
