New York. Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga and spinner Mahish Theekshana have expressed their displeasure over the schedule of their team’s matches in the T20 World Cup, saying that it is very unfair and they have had to cancel a practice session due to long travels. Sri Lanka was defeated by South Africa in the first match of Group D. Theekshana criticized the schedule of his team’s matches and said that it has had a negative impact on the team. He said, “This is wrong. We have to travel after every match because we are playing on four different grounds.”
He said, “We took a flight from Florida, Miami and had to wait at the airport for eight hours. We had to leave at eight in the night but took a flight at five in the morning. This is unfair but it does not matter while playing.” On the other hand, South Africa has to play two more matches here while the Indian team will play three matches here. Teeksha said, “The journey from the hotel to the practice ground is also one hour and 40 minutes. Even before the match against South Africa, we had to wake up at five in the morning.” Teeksha did not take names but said that some teams have to play at the same place and their hotel is only 14 minutes away from the ground.
He said, “I will not take names but some teams are playing at the same place and they are aware of the situation. They are also playing practice matches here. We have played practice matches in Florida and the third match is also there. We will have to think about this next time because nothing can be done now.” Captain Hasaranga said, “The last few days have been very difficult. Four matches, at four different places. It is difficult. One match in New York, second in Dallas, next in Florida.” According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, Sri Lanka manager Mahinda Halangoda has written a letter to the ICC on this issue but no solution is expected in the middle of the tournament.
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