Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is worried about the safety of its Test team before the three-match series against England, which begins on August 21 in Manchester. This concern comes as anti-immigrant riots have broken out in several cities across the United Kingdom.
A report on ESPNCricinfo states that the Sri Lankan players currently in England – seven players and two support staff – have requested their cricket board to provide enhanced security for the next few days. This is because they will be traveling to and from a ground near London amidst widespread riots aimed at immigrants in the UK.
The unrest in the UK started following a large knife attack in Southport, where three children lost their lives. Because of false information about the people responsible, many immigrants, along with their shops and religious centers, have been targeted by extreme right-wing groups.
“Most of the problems don’t seem to be near us, but everyone is still a bit worried. We can’t really go out to eat or do anything like that. We mostly stay in the hotel. No one wants to get into trouble and be hurt.”
“We’ve asked the board to request some protection for us until the main team gets here, but we haven’t heard back yet,” a player from Sri Lanka said in the report.
Most of the Test team will come to England on Sunday. Then, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will start their safety plan. The report says that the ECB has told SLC and the team that they have good safety plans.
“I talked to them about this, and the ECB answered fast and sent us their full safety plans. They will also have a safety person with us on the tour,” said Mahinda Halangoda, the team manager of Sri Lanka, in the report.
The report also says that the UK government, in a quick call on Wednesday, told sports groups that the country is safe for sports, and the police said they will stop people who cause trouble. After the first Test in Manchester ends, Sri Lanka and England will play two more games at Lord’s, starting on August 29, and at The Oval, starting on September 6.
