Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has responded to the recent allegation concerning some Sri Lankan players and officials involved in a drinking party before the game against South Africa in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Sri Lanka failed to do well in a global event once again as they bowed out of the T20 World Cup at the group stage. They were one of the favorites to progress from the group that also had South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands. However, the Islanders failed to live up to the expectations and exited the competition at the group stage as South Africa and Bangladesh made it to the Super 8s.
Sri Lanka started their campaign with a humiliating loss against South Africa. On a treacherous pitch in New York, they were bowled out for just 77 runs and lost the game by 6 wickets. It was followed by a 2-wicket loss against Bangladesh before the game against Nepal was washed out and confirmed their exit.
The Sri Lankan team has faced criticism not only for the poor performance but also for allegedly partying before their World Cup opener. A news outlet recently reported that at least five leading players of the team as well as some officials were involved in a late-night drinking session in one of the hotel rooms the night before the match.
The report alleged that three top-order batsmen, a veteran pacer, and an allrounder were involved in the party. The news outlet also stated that a player-manager was at the party as well and said that his presence might have breached the ICC rules and regulations.
SLC reacts to allegations on Sri Lanka players:
With the Sri Lankan team facing the heat, SLC has reacted to the allegations and has vehemently denied them. The board has labeled the allegations as entirely false and damaging to the reputation of the team and its management. SLC has also demanded that the newspaper publish a ‘Right of Reply’ to address the false allegations.
SLC categorically and strongly refutes the contents of the article and confirms that no such incidents, as described, have occurred. Therefore, SLC states unequivocally that the news report is entirely false, fabricated, and baseless," stated SLC.
"We vehemently believe that such false reporting unfairly damages the reputation of Sri Lanka Cricket, its officials, and the players.
"In light of the said false allegations, Sri Lanka Cricket has requested that the respective newspaper publish a ‘Right of Reply’ to address and rectify the damage caused to Sri Lanka Cricket," added the cricket board.
