Sri Lankan players voice concerns over T20 World Cup match schedule,travel

Colombo, June 4, 2024 – Sri Lankan players have raised concerns about the challenging schedule and travel arrangements during the ICC T20 World Cup. Captains Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have both spoken out, describing the scheduling as unfair and difficult for the team.

According to foreign media reports, Sri Lankan team manager Mahinda Halangoda has confirmed that he has officially written to the ICC to highlight the issues the team is facing.

Maheesh Theekshana expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s all very unfair. After every match, we have to travel and even have to wait up to 8 hours for flights.” He added that the logistical challenges forced the team to cancel a training session in New York. Theekshana highlighted that their hotel was an hour and 40 minutes away from the venue, requiring the team to wake up at 5 in the morning. He noted the disparity, mentioning that some teams have hotels just 14 minutes away from their match venues.

Captain Wanindu Hasaranga echoed these sentiments, explaining, “It is a difficult day for us with four matches at four different venues. We have no idea about the conditions.”

Sri Lanka is one of two teams, along with the Netherlands, required to play four preliminary round matches at four different venues. In contrast, teams like India and South Africa are playing three matches at a single venue.

Reports indicate that due to the day match, the Sri Lankan squad had to start their day early at the Brooklyn Hotel and rush through media activities post-match to reach the airport in time for their next match. This logistical challenge became evident after their game against South Africa, highlighting the strain on the players.

The Sri Lankan players’ concerns have drawn attention to the need for fairer scheduling and better travel arrangements to ensure all teams have equal opportunities to perform at their best in the tournament.