Australia Players Express Concern Over Sri Lanka Tour Amid Current Circumstances

Australian players have expressed concerns about touring Sri Lanka amid the economic crisis and political unrest in the island nation.

The Australian team is due to fly out to Sri Lanka next week to play three T20 Internationals, five ODIs and two Test matches in a month-long tour.

Australian players display concerns on Sri Lanka tour amid current circumstances

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka was observing a curfew after civil protests turned violent. The country is also suffering from basic shortages like fuel, cooking gas and daily power cuts.

A couple of weeks ago, Cricket Australia confirmed the tour will go ahead despite the Australian government travel advisory, which asked the tourists to reconsider their plans due to security concerns in the island nation.

According to a report by the news agency Australian Associated Press (AAP), some Australian players have stated unease about the morals around touring Sri Lanka in the current circumstances.

The three-match T20I series between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played in Colombo, where regular power cuts are reported. There were plans to hold the T20I games in the daytime but there is no confirmation about it as of now.

There is a level of discomfort around touring in conditions: ACA

Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) CEO Todd Greenberg said players are ambivalent on the Sri Lanka tour and will wait for the board’s guidelines for the same.

“The players are very aware of the situation in Sri Lanka and it’s fair to say there is a level of discomfort around touring in conditions that contrast those faced by the people of Sri Lanka, such as rising food prices, power cuts and fuel rationing,” Greenberg told AAP.

“Ultimately our players want to continue to play cricket and will take direction, guidance and advice from CA about tour arrangements and planning,” he added.

The tour is scheduled to commence on June 7 with the first T20 International at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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