The Sri Lankan cricket team’s upcoming test series against England has been overshadowed by concerns over player safety amidst ongoing anti-immigrant riots in Britain. Several Sri Lankan players currently in England for pre-series training have expressed their anxieties to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, requesting enhanced security measures.
“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,” a Sri Lankan player in England told ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lankan team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, has formally addressed these 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.
The ECB has assured the Sri Lankan team of comprehensive security arrangements, but the players’ apprehension underscores the potential impact of broader societal issues on international sporting events.
This situation presents a parallel to Sri Lanka’s own experience in 2022, when 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.
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.
