Chaminda Vaas Agrees To Continue As Sri Lanka Fast Bowling Consultant, Withdraws His Resignation

Sri Lanka’s legendary pacer Chaminda Vaas has decided to withdraw his resignation from the post of bowling consultant of the Sri Lanka national cricket team and will continue in his position.

Vaas, 47, had put in his papers, at the last minute before Sri Lanka flew to West Indies for their ongoing tour, citing payment issues and disagreement with Cricket Sri Lanka (SLC) as he wanted to be paid in US Dollars like the foreign coaches were.

Vaas Had Resigned After His Demand To Be Paid In US Dollars Was Not Met By Sri Lanka Cricket

In reply, the SLC accused the 47-year-old Vaas of “holding the administration, the cricketers and the game at ransom” by resigning, citing the administration’s refusal to accede to an “unjustifiable demand for an increased USD remuneration”.

“Vaas’s resignation comes hours before the team was scheduled to depart for West Indies, which is scheduled for tonight. It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr. Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move on the eve of the team’s departure, based on personal monetary gain,” the SLC had said in a statement.

Chaminda Vaas had called it a humble request and not a demand, which was turned down by the Sri Lanka cricket officials.

“It is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom, by handing in his resignation at the eleventh hour, citing the administration’s refusal to accede to an unjustifiable demand for an increased USD remuneration, in spite of being a contracted employee of Sri Lanka Cricket, already receiving remuneration that is in keeping with his experience, qualifications, and expertise, in addition to which he would have been entitled to the usual USD per diems offered to all members of a traveling squad,” it added.

Sri Lanka lost the T20I and ODI series in West Indies but fought bravely to play a draw in the first of the 2-match Test series.

Matter With Mr Chaminda Vaas Amicably Resolved: Sri Lanka Cricket Statement

However, on March 26, 2021, Sri Lanka Cricket released a statement saying that issues with Chaminda Vaas over his remuneration were amicably resolved via dialogue in a meeting and recognized the “valuable services rendered Chaminda Vaas to SLC and the significant contribution he has made to the sport as an iconic player and wishes him well”.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform you that pursuant to a meeting that was held between Mr. Chaminda Vaas and the Management Team of Sri Lanka Cricket, the matters which led to his resignation were amicably resolved. Mr. Vaas withdrew his submitted Letter of Resignation and agreed to continue as the Fast Bowling Consultant to Sri Lanka Cricket, the position which he held prior to his resignation,” the SLC statement read.

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