UK Riots: Sri Lankans on tour raise security issues

The Sri Lankan men’s Test team is due to travel to England for three Test matches, beginning August 21 in Manchester, and the ongoing racial riots in multiple locations of the United Kingdom have made the players and management anxious. 

ESPNcricinfo has also reported that some Lankan players who are already in England to prepare for the upcoming Test series have contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to ensure their safety. 

According to the reports, the players are staying inside in fear of beaten up and their security requests to the ECB have fallen on deaf ears. Although the ECB has ensured Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) upon enquiry that once the rest of the squad joins the players by Sunday (August 11), all the security arrangements for the Lankan team and support staff will get active. 

SLC have also been assured of a security liaison with the Lanka team during the tour. 

In the last few days, violent, racist attacks have happened across several British cities, including the cities where the Test matches will be played. The violence was triggered by the stabbing of multiple children in Southport, Northwest England, earlier in the week. The shocking incident stunned the nation and many rallies have been organised against the prevailing far-right and racist sentiments in the British country. 

The Sri Lankans will play the first Test match in Manchester, and the next two will be in London, with the second being at Lord’s and the third at the Oval. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.