Sri Lanka Urges ECB for Enhanced Security Amid UK Riot

News Today: Sri Lanka Seeks Better Security from ECB Amid UK Riots Ahead of Test Series

Sri Lanka has raised urgent security concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) amidst the ongoing anti-immigrant riots in Britain. With a three-match test series against England scheduled to begin soon, Sri Lankan players currently in England have requested enhanced security measures as they await the arrival of the full squad in London on Sunday.

Players, who are already in England for pre-series training, have expressed anxiety over the lack of a comprehensive security plan until the entire team arrives. A Sri Lankan player, speaking to Legacy Daily, mentioned that while the unrest does not seem to be close to their location, there is still considerable concern among the team members.

“We can’t 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,” the player shared. The players have asked their cricket board to coordinate with the ECB for additional security arrangements until the main team arrives. However, they are yet to receive a response.

Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed that he had raised these security concerns with the ECB, particularly after reports of unrest in Manchester, where the first test is scheduled to be held. The ECB responded promptly by sending a detailed outline of their security arrangements, including the assignment of a security liaison for the Sri Lankan team.

This situation is reminiscent of 2022, when Sri Lanka faced similar challenges at home, leading to Australia and Pakistan questioning the safety of touring the country amidst political unrest. That year, the Asia Cup was also relocated to the UAE due to the volatile situation in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s test series against England is set to commence on August 21 at Old Trafford.