Sri Lankan players who are currently in England for the three-match test series have raised their concerns over security due to anti-immigrant riots in the country.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a test series starting on August 21. The full squad has not made their way to the UK due to the recently concluded India tour of Sri Lanka.
According to reports, Players who have reached the UK have doubted their security amid anti-immigrant protests. Nine people including seven players and two support staff are currently in the UK and have requested necessary securities from SLC as they have to travel from a ground close to London for training.
“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned,” said a Sri Lankan cricketer. “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’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.”
As per ECB security plans, Security for the visitors has been allocated by August 11 when the rest of the team lands in England. However, England has responded to tourists’ requests by reassuring them about the security arrangements.
“I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements,” Halangoda said. “We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well.”
With some protests have been marked with violence, there have over the last few days, been large counter-protests aimed at protecting immigrant-owned businesses, places of worship, and other places immigrants frequent.
The UK government assured sporting bodies that the country would remain safe for the game, on an emergency call on Wednesday. Coming to the tour, Sri Lanka is set to play three tests in England which begin on August 21 in Old Trafford Stadium.
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