Sri Lanka to boycott England Test series? UK riots spark security fears among SL cricketers

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team are all set to take on England National Cricket Team in the three-match Test series. The first match between the teams will begin on August 21 in Manchester, followed by the second Test on August 29, and the last game at The Oval on September 6.

Some of the Test players of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team have already reached England. But ahead of the Test series they have expressed their concerns about the riots going on in the United Kingdom. There are anti-immigrant riots that have erupted in various cities.

However, despite all the concerns, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reassured Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the team about the security arrangements in place. The riots are also going on in Manchester, where the first game of the series between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the hosts will be taking place.

Sri Lanka's team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, revealed that he raised issues with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the governing body replied quickly about the security arrangements. While talking to ESPNCricinfo about the same, he explained:

"I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We'll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well."

Apart from this, the United Kingdom government has also assured sporting bodies that the country is safe for sports. They made the call during an emergency call on Wednesday. The UK police also has stated unequivocally that it will crack down on and prevent violence.

Sri Lanka players also express their concerns about the same ahead of England Tests

Sri Lanka players also have expressed their concerns about the same. The players who were there for the pre-series training have also expressed anxiety about the unrest, particularly as they do not have a security plan covering this portion of their trip.

While talking to ESPNCricinfo, one Sri Lanka player talked about the issue, saying that they cannot go for dinner or anything as all they have to do is sit in a hotel. He while talking about the entire issue, stated:

"Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned. 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. We've asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven't heard anything back yet."

This nine-person contingent of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team - seven players and two support staff - have asked SLC to arrange for better security over the next few days, as they travel to and from a ground near London. It remains to be seen what will be the future of the Test series.