T20 World Cup 2024: Sri Lanka Calls Out 'Unfair' Schedule Over Travel Woes

New York, Jun 4 (PTI): Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga and spinner Maheesh Theekshana have criticised the scheduling of their team's matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup, describing it as "unfair" and noting that it has already forced them to cancel a practice session due to extensive travel times.

Sri Lanka lost their group D opener to South Africa, and Theekshana expressed concerns about the scheduling, which he believes has negatively impacted the team. "So unfair for us, we have to leave every day (after the match) because we are playing (at) four different venues," Theekshana said.

"The flight we took from Florida, from Miami, we had to wait like eight hours in the airport to get the flight. We were supposed to leave at 8pm but we got the flight at 5am. It's really unfair for us, but it doesn't matter when you play," he added.

South Africa will be playing two more games in New York, while India, who will start against Ireland on Wednesday, will also play three matches in the city before their last group match in Florida. Theekshana highlighted the logistical difficulties faced by his team.

"...even from the hotel, it (the practice venue) is one hour and 40 minutes. Even today (for the match against South Africa), we had to wake up around 5am to come here," Theekshana pointed out. This led to the cancellation of a training session ahead of their match against South Africa.

Theekshana refrained from naming specific teams but mentioned that some teams have had the advantage of staying in one place with shorter travel times to their venues. "I can't say the (names of the) teams that are playing in the same venue, so they know what the conditions are like. They're playing practice games at the same venue. No one will get that," he said.

"We played the practice games in Florida, and our third game's in Florida. There's some things that I think that everyone will rethink about next year because I know that this year, nothing will change," he added.

Leadership's Perspective

Skipper Hasaranga echoed these sentiments. "We had a tough time last few days. All four games in four venues. It's hard. We didn't know...This is our first game in New York. Next game in Dallas...Next game is in Florida where we played two games, that's the only plus point we have," he said.

A report in 'ESPNCricinfo' stated that Sri Lanka manager Mahinda Halangoda has written to the ICC regarding this issue. However, given that the tournament is already underway, the team does not expect any resolution to their logistical problems.