Sri Lanka
revealed on Friday that they have filed a complaint with the
International Cricket Council
(ICC) regarding the treatment and conditions faced by their
T20 World Cup
team in the United States, one of the co-hosts of the tournament.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando claimed that other teams received better treatment and stated that Sri Lanka lodged a formal protest after their squad experienced a seven-hour flight delay at a Florida airport.
T20 WORLD CUP: Schedule | Points Table
He also mentioned that upon reaching New York, the Sri Lankan team was given accommodation over 90 minutes away from the practice stadium, while the Indian team was housed much closer.
Sri Lanka lost to South Africa by six wickets in their opening match on Monday in New York.
"
Sri Lanka Cricket
has complained to the ICC," Fernando told parliament. "Different countries are being treated differently. We have called for an explanation from the organisers of the tournament."
Sri Lanka's sports ministry has sent an officer to the United States to check on the team's welfare, Fernando added.
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa stated that Sri Lanka's parliament has collectively expressed dismay over the alleged conditions.
"We stand against this injustice, we should not allow this," he said.
Angelo Mathews, a former captain and current member of Sri Lanka's T20 squad, described the past few days as "most challenging" in an interview with local broadcaster Ada Derana TV.
"Practice facilities are not good. Wickets are not good. Last four to five days have been very challenging for us," he said. "We had to cancel practices because a flight was delayed. We are not going to use this as an excuse, we are a team that has won despite obstacles. We want to put all this behind us and do well at the next match."
Sri Lanka play their next group on Saturday against Asian neighbours Bangladesh.
English (US) ·