Sri Lanka Men's Cricket Team Expresses Security Concerns Amid UK Unrest

The Sri Lanka men's cricket team has expressed concerns about their safety in England following the outbreak of anti-immigrant riots in several cities. In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has assured Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the team that robust security measures are in place.

Players already in England for pre-series training have voiced their unease, particularly since there is currently no security plan covering this part of their trip. This group, consisting of seven players and two support staff, has requested enhanced security from SLC for the coming days as they travel to and from a practice ground near London.

One player in England shared with ESPNcricinfo that while the unrest is not directly affecting their location, the team remains apprehensive. He mentioned that they are avoiding going out for dinner or other activities, preferring to stay within the hotel to avoid any potential trouble. The group has asked SLC to arrange for temporary security until the full team arrives, but they have yet to receive a response.

The majority of the Sri Lankan team is scheduled to arrive in England on Sunday for a three-match Test series, at which point the ECB's official security measures will be implemented. Team manager Mahinda Halangoda, who is currently in Sri Lanka, confirmed that he had raised concerns with the ECB after seeing reports of unrest in Manchester, where the first Test is set to take place on August 21. Halangoda stated that the ECB quickly responded with detailed security plans, including the presence of a security liaison officer throughout the tour.

While some of the far-right protests have turned violent, there have also been large-scale counter-protests aimed at safeguarding immigrant-owned businesses, places of worship, and other community spaces. The UK government has reassured sports organisations that the country remains safe for sporting events, following an emergency call on Wednesday. UK police have also committed to preventing any violence.

Sri Lanka's Test series in England begins on August 21 in Manchester, followed by the second Test at Lord's on August 29, and concluding with the final Test at The Oval on September 6.