Thisara Perera Gets Involved in Social Media Row with Lasith Malinga's Wife, Asks SLC to Intervene

Sri Lanka all-rounder, Thisara Perera has asked the SLC to intervene in a matter which includes Lasith Malinga’s wife, Tanya Perera. Earlier in 2019, Malinga’s wife had posted on her Facebook page, accusing Perera of meeting the new Sports Minister of Sri Lanka in his attempt of securing his place in the national team. Though the all-rounder cleared any such report, Perera has asked the board to look into the issue. Furthermore, Thisara has said more than anything; they have become a ‘laughing stock’ to the country.

Perera defends him in the Facebook post

Shaming the way things have unfolded, Thisara had replied to the concerned post saying his 2018 numbers are enough for anyone to rope him in the team. Later on, another post targetted Perera; to which he wrote a letter to the SLC CEO, Ashley de Silva. He expressed his concerns saying because of one person’s vendetta; he has to receive flak from his countrymen.

The all-rounder, recently in an ODI in New Zealand came close on creating history, as he almost helped his team win a match from a loss-loss situation. Though his efforts were acknowledged widely, Thisara reveals the dressing room atmosphere is not pleasing after the Facebook post. He further added the youngsters and the senior players are not on the same page.

Looking at the bigger picture; the 2019 World Cup, the signs are no good. Thisara Perera then noted Lasith Malinga being the captain should hold responsibility for the matter. He said, under anyone’s leadership, everyone expects stability; but in Malinga’s case, Perera regrets of not feeling the same. Not only this, he took a dig at how Malinga holding reigns could spoil Sri Lanka’s chances in the 2019 World Cup.

Here’s the letter –

“When these kinds of accusations are made by the incumbent captain’s wife on social media, it is hard to prevent the general public from believing and further slandering me in various ways.

“There has been a general sense of unease in the dressing room ever since [the Facebook post] and to be honest the environment was rather unpleasant for the youngsters especially when two senior players were not on the same page. We cannot play as a team with friction. The leadership’s role is to create stability and unity within the team even before one could start with a game plan. In this instant, I regret to say we had none of the above.”

“We are at the verge of the World Cup. Our focus and attention should be on performing well at it instead of bickering over social media on pointless issues. This team is in dire need of steady leadership and guidance. Importantly, and environment of unity is needed… These issues need rectifying ahead of the World Cup. The leadership and seniors of the team must set the example for this.

“We have become the laughing stock of a whole country all because of one person’s personal vendetta. This is not something to be taken lightly, especially at a time like this. I humbly request SLC to intervene and help us overcome our difference and move forward with a renewed confidence and sense of unity.”

Meanwhile, Malinga had been named as the captain ahead of the New Zealand series.