PCR results will decide fate of West Indies tour

SLC agrees to implement Cricket Committee’s proposals

by Rex Clementine

The fate of Sri Lanka’s tour of West Indies depends on the PCR tests taken yesterday, the results of which will be out today. Some 70 individuals including 35 players, support staff and those associated with the national cricket team underwent PCR tests yesterday.

Sri Lanka Cricket had initially said that they would postpone the tour of West Indies comprising two Tests, three ODIs and three T-20 Internationals. However, The Island learns that Cricket West Indies had urged SLC to look at alternatives. Ricky Skeritt, the President of Cricket West Indies is well known over here having managed a few West Indies teams to Sri Lanka including the one in 2001 – the Brian Lara 688 series.

Sources feared that PCR tests of a few more could turn out to be positive today after a throw down coach – Vimukthi Deshapriya tested positive yesterday. Deshapriya attached to Sinhalese Sports Club had attended the wedding of cricketer Sadeera Samarawickrama. Top order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, who tested positive for COVID-19 too had attended the wedding. His close contacts were requested to self quarantine.

Sources said that the tour of West Indies could be pushed back by a week.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Cricket Committee comprising several former captains met with Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva on Tuesday and the parties had initial discussions on the way forward. Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and National Sports Council Chairman Mahela Jayawardene were also present at the meeting.

SLC agreed to implement the suggestions of the Cricket Committee subject to approval of the Executive Committee.

While Aravinda De Silva, Muttiah Muralitharan and Roshan Mahanama attended the meeting as members of Cricket Committee, Kumar Sangakkara was not present as he was in quarantine having returned home from Abu Dhabi following a coaching assignment.

The Cricket Committee is expected to present suggestions on all cricket related matters. One of their key points is supposed to be restructuring domestic cricket with a view to bring down First Class teams. There has been overwhelming criticism against increasing the number of teams that play First Class cricket with both Sangakkara and Jayawardene voicing concerns. But successive cricket boards have batted on regardless not giving in to the pressure. That’s set to change this time around with SLC agreeing to toe the line with the Cricket Committee.