We are all aware of the latest developments and political and economic unrest that is taking place in Sri Lanka. The country is facing its worst crisis in almost facets and it is some news that concerns everyone. Keeping that in mind, the Australia tour of Sri Lanka after the end of IPL 2022 raises a few eyebrows. The team is scheduled to visit the country after 6 years to play all three formats, T20, ODI, and Test starting from 7 June. Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka
Amidst the crisis where Sri Lanka is facing power cuts up to 15 hours a day, fuel prices being hiked by 25-35 percent, a shortage of food and basic resources, and a lack of healthcare facilities there is a question about a cricket tour that may not help the grieving country in better ways, to take place.
There could be some help with tourism or some distraction for the country’s people and that is something Australian players have shown concerns about. The concern is not about security as the team while touring Pakistan earlier this year showed faith in the security system even when there were some disruptions nearby and played the matches with full excitement. The concern is more humanitarian here as the hosting board will have to make the best arrangements for the tourist and special treatment will be given to the players.
The country where there are power cuts for 15 hours a day in most areas, is expected to host 3 T20 night games. There are plans to shift these matches to daytime to avoid excessive electricity consumption by floodlights and other arrangements at the stadium. There are also a few decisions to be made regarding whether to have games in multiple locations or rather have them in the same city to avoid fuel expenditure amidst the shortage.
It is great news that Australian Board and individual players have not backed off citing security reasons but have been more compassionate towards the host country. Many players have even said they will do whatever they up to their capability to help the country.
We may question the continuation of the tour but it is to be kept in mind that cricket in the subcontinent is treated as religion and there is no better distraction than religion. People may not need a diversion from the root problems but they definitely need some rejuvenation this tour has all the capability to provide. The attitude of boards and players has already made it a wholesome beginning and we hope it turns out to be a successful one!
The following is the expected schedule that is to be followed:
3 T20 Matches
June 7: First T20, Colombo
June 8: Second T20, Colombo
June 11: Third T20, Kandy
5 ODI matches
June 14: First ODI, Kandy
June 16: Second ODI, Kandy
June 19: Third ODI, Colombo
June 21: Fourth ODI, Colombo
June 24: Fifth ODI, Colombo
2 Test Matches
June 29 – July 3: First Test, Galle
July 8-12: Second Test, Galle
