What troubles the Sri Lankan cricket squad before their test series against England which should start on August 21st, at Old Trafford, are issues of safety. The source of these concerns is the continual anti-immigrant riots that have rocked different parts of Britain.
Several Sri Lankan players are already in England for pre-series training. SLC has reportedly gotten a request concerning this from some national cricketers seeking better security arrangements.
“From where we are most of the problems seem to be out there but every body is slightly worried. We can’t go outside to eat dinner or do anything like it. Mostly we stay in the hotel. None of us want to get into trouble and get a beating. But we asked for a little bit of security from our board until our main team arrives, they haven’t got back yet,” one of the Sri Lanka players in England told ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lankan team manager, Mahinda Halangoda confirmed he spoke about this with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially because there had been reports about unrest taking place in Manchester that will witness their first Test match played in UK.
“I took up this matter with them and ECB responded very quickly by sending us their full security plans. At least I think they will provide us with someone who can talk for us about security when we visit them,” added Halangoda.
This mirrors what Sri Lanka went through in 2022. This was due to intense political and economic crises which were such a concern that Australia and Pakistan also expressed concern about bilateral games involving visiting teams touring Sri Lanka during that period. Subsequently, Asia Cup originally meant to be held by Sri Lanka was moved to United Arab Emirates owing to instability experienced in several areas over there.
While The SLC has been assured by ECb on its comprehensive safety measures however the apprehension among players reveals how wider societal questions can impact international sports events. The importance of pre-emptive dialogue and reliable safety strategies becomes apparent in cases like this when the conduct of games coincides with periods of civil disturbances.
SLC will want their players to concentrate on the series ahead without any unnecessary tension. The next cricket team that goes through the same will watch how well ECB has dealt with the crisis and implemented its security measures.
