Sri Lanka complain to ICC over ‘treatment’ at T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the treatment and conditions faced by their T20 World Cup team in the United States, co-host of the tournament.

Sports Minister Harin Fernando revealed on Friday that Sri Lanka’s team experienced a seven-hour flight delay at a Florida airport and were provided with accommodation over 90 minutes away from their practice stadium in New York, unlike the Indian team, which had accommodations much closer.

Sri Lanka’s opening match saw them lose to South Africa by six wickets in New York. Fernando addressed the issue in parliament, stating, “Sri Lanka Cricket has complained to the ICC. Different countries are being treated differently. We have called for an explanation from the organizers of the tournament.”

To further investigate and ensure the team’s welfare, Sri Lanka’s sports ministry has sent an officer to the United States. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa expressed solidarity, saying, “We stand against this injustice. We should not allow this.”

Former skipper and current squad member Angelo Mathews described the past few days as “most challenging,” citing poor practice facilities and inadequate wickets. Speaking to local broadcaster Ada Derana TV, Mathews said, “We had to cancel practices because a flight was delayed. Practice facilities are not good. Wickets are not good.”

Despite these challenges, Mathews emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “We are not going to use this as an excuse. We are a team that has won despite obstacles. We want to put all this behind us and do well at the next match.”

Sri Lanka is set to face Bangladesh in their next game on Saturday.

(Source: AFP)