'Countries are being treated differently': Sri Lanka sports minister Harin Fernando takes indirect dig at India and Pakistan amidst T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka sports minister Harin Fernando slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for treating the countries differently in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He said that Sri Lanka lodged a formal complaint after the squad waited seven hours in Miami before their trip to New York for opener clash against South Africa.

He said the Indian cricket team had been put up much closer. Pakistan, who were also booked an-hour-and-half away, shifted base closer to the venue ahead of the high voltage arch-rivals clash which is scheduled to be played on June 9. 
 

“Sri Lanka Cricket has complained to the ICC. Different countries are being treated differently. We have called for an explanation from the organizers of the tournament,” as quoted by firstpost. 

 

Sri Lanka were seen struggling in their T20 World Cup opener clash against South Africa where they got bundled out on just 77 runs and lost the match by six wickets. 

 

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Sri Lanka’s sports ministry has dispatched an officer to the United States to look into the welfare of the team, Fernando added.

Former Sri Lanka skipper who is now the part of team in the ongoing World Cup, told broadcaster Ada Derana TV the past few days had been “most challenging”.

 

“Practice facilities are not good. Wickets are not good. Last four to five days have been very challenging for us,” he said.

 

“We had to cancel practices because a flight was delayed.

 

“We are not going to use this as an excuse, we are a team that has won despite obstacles. We want to put all this behind us and do well at the next match.”

 

Sri Lanka will now face Bangladesh for their second match of the tournament which is scheduled to be played at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on June 8 (Saturday). 

 

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