Anti-immigrant riots in various parts of the United Kingdom have rung a scare in the minds of the Sri Lankan cricket team management, which is getting ready for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, starting August 21. Spiraling violence has put a shadow on the team’s travel plans and stirred anxiety among the players already in the UK for pre-series training.
The development has forced the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board to get a re-assurance in this regard from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about the security of their players and staff. Reports suggest that the ECB has assured to provide tight security for the visiting team. Despite all such assurances, the Sri Lankan contingent, comprising nine players and two support staff, is seeking extra security following their arrival in London amidst the volatile situation.
A Sri Lankan player who is currently in England expressed the concerns of his team, highlighting the tense atmosphere that has restricted their activities outside the hotel.
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“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are, but everyone is still a little concerned. We can’t really 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 have asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but haven’t heard anything back yet,” revealed the player, quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Sri Lanka’s Test players who have arrived in England early have raised concerns about their safety amid anti-immigrant riots across the country.
The ECB’s full security plan is set to kick in when the rest of the squad arrive on Sunday: https://t.co/mQe5GpUdgU pic.twitter.com/ZTK1D74I3Z
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 8, 2024
The Sri Lankan team is due to play the first Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester on August 21. The city has been one of the focal points of the recent unrest, which has only added to the team’s apprehensions. The second Test is due to be held at Lord’s from August 29 and will be followed by the final match at The Oval, ending on or before September 10.
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Mahinda Halangoda, Sri Lanka’s team manager, expressed his concern following distressing reports of riots in Manchester. As the anxiety mounted, he said the ECB responded very quickly and sent them their comprehensive security arrangements for the tour. “I raised the issue with them, but 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 said.
As the series gets closer, both teams will wish for a smooth and secure tour ahead of the ongoing tensions in the UK. With a close eye out on the situation, the Sri Lankans monitor everything while preparing themselves to take on England in what looks to be a tough Test series ahead of them.
