NEW DELHI: The Sri Lankan cricket team has expressed concerns regarding player safety ahead of their upcoming test series against England, scheduled to begin on August 21st at Old Trafford. These concerns stem from the ongoing anti-immigrant riots occurring in various parts of Britain.
Several Sri Lankan players are already in England for pre-series training.They have reportedly communicated their anxieties to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, requesting enhanced security measures.
“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned. We can’t go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up. We’ve asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven’t heard anything back yet,” a Sri Lankan player in England told ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lankan team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, confirmed that he formally addressed these security concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), particularly after reports of unrest in Manchester, the venue for the first test match.
“I raised the issue with them, and the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well,” Halangoda stated.
This situation presents a parallel to Sri Lanka’s own experience in 2022. The island nation faced significant political and economic turmoil, leading to ethical concerns raised by Australia and Pakistan regarding touring for a bilateral series. Ultimately, the Asia Cup, initially planned to be held in Sri Lanka, was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to the unrest.
While the ECB has assured the Sri Lankan team of comprehensive security arrangements, the players’ apprehension underscores the potential impact of broader societal issues on international sporting events. The situation highlights the importance of proactive communication and robust security planning to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes, particularly when events coincide with periods of social unrest.
The SLC will be keen to ensure their players can focus on the upcoming series without undue anxiety. The effectiveness of the ECB’s security measures and the overall management of the situation will be closely observed, setting a precedent for future touring teams navigating similar circumstances.
Several Sri Lankan players are already in England for pre-series training.They have reportedly communicated their anxieties to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, requesting enhanced security measures.
“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned. We can’t go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up. We’ve asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven’t heard anything back yet,” a Sri Lankan player in England told ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lankan team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, confirmed that he formally addressed these security concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), particularly after reports of unrest in Manchester, the venue for the first test match.
“I raised the issue with them, and the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well,” Halangoda stated.
This situation presents a parallel to Sri Lanka’s own experience in 2022. The island nation faced significant political and economic turmoil, leading to ethical concerns raised by Australia and Pakistan regarding touring for a bilateral series. Ultimately, the Asia Cup, initially planned to be held in Sri Lanka, was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to the unrest.
While the ECB has assured the Sri Lankan team of comprehensive security arrangements, the players’ apprehension underscores the potential impact of broader societal issues on international sporting events. The situation highlights the importance of proactive communication and robust security planning to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes, particularly when events coincide with periods of social unrest.
The SLC will be keen to ensure their players can focus on the upcoming series without undue anxiety. The effectiveness of the ECB’s security measures and the overall management of the situation will be closely observed, setting a precedent for future touring teams navigating similar circumstances.