Sri Lankan cricketers currently in England for an upcoming three-Test series have voiced concerns about their safety following recent anti-immigrant riots across the country.
The series is set to commence on 21 August in Manchester.
According to ESPNCricinfo, some members of the Sri Lankan team and support staff have already arrived in the UK. Of the nine individuals present—comprising seven players and two support staff—there are growing worries about security due to the ongoing nationwide protests and riots against immigrants.
“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are, but everyone is still a little concerned,” one of the players told ESPNcricinfo. “We can’t really 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 remainder of the Sri Lankan squad is expected to arrive in the UK on 11 August, coinciding with the implementation of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) security plans for the series.
In response to these concerns, the ECB has assured the team of comprehensive security measures during their stay.
The tour will feature three Test matches: the first at Old Trafford in Manchester on 21 August, the second at Lord’s on 29 August, and the third at The Oval on 6 September.
The recent riots, which erupted following a mass stabbing incident in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children, have been exacerbated by disinformation circulating on social media about the attacker’s identity.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has requested heightened security for the players, particularly during travel to and from training grounds near London.
