Disappointed with Sri Lanka’s dismal performance against India in the first ODI at Dambulla, angry fans held up the team bus of the Sri Lankan cricket team after the match, which they lost by nine wickets.
Around 50 fans stood in the vicinity of the team bus and shouted slogans to make their disappointment clear to the players and the board, according to ESPNCricinfo. The fans left the area only after the police intervened. The demonstration, however, delayed the departure of the bus by half an hour.
The Sri Lanka team is going through one of their worst phases in their cricketing history. The 1996 World Cup winning team were dumped out of the 2017 Champions Trophy from group stages. They also lost an ODI series at home to 11th ranked Zimbabwe before losing the Test series 3-0 to India.
Former cricketer Kumar Sangakkara took to social media, asking fans to rally behind the team.
“When we won, you celebrated with us, and when we lost, you grieved alongside us,” he said. “When the team was struggling – when we were most in need – your love and support was our strength. Now, what our cricketers need is that same, love, support, patience and effort. Let’s hope for the team’s victory, and support them as one,” said Sangakkara.
Meanwhile, interim coach Nic Pothas has lashed out at the administrators for Sri Lanka’s slump in form.
“You do get angry – to say ‘too many cooks’ is probably accurate,” Pothas said after the ODI loss. “You get frustrated. Am I angry with the players? Absolutely not. The players work as hard as anyone can ask of them. They’ve been superb. Support staff have been out of this world. Brilliant. They work endless hours with planning and helping the boys. You can’t fault anyone within that changing room.”
Feature image: AFP