Absence of SLC officials from the series presentation ceremony creates controversy

Nothing has been going right for the Sri Lankan cricket lately. After an early exit from the Champions Trophy, their team suffered an ODI series defeat against Zimbabwe. If this wasn’t enough, what followed was a whitewash in Tests and ODIs by India at home simultaneously.

Recently, the head of the selection committee Sanath Jayasuriya announced his decision to step down. As Sri Lankan cricket continues to hit new lows, there was another awful thing that was noticeable during the presentation ceremony after Team India won the fifth ODI to make it 5-0.

No member of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) top brass was present at the award ceremony. Even secretary Mohan de Silva who was present during the match left the stadium prior to the presentation where the Indian team was handed over the winner’s trophy. With India regarded as one of the most powerful cricketing boards, the absence of Sri Lanka’s top brass wasn’t pleasing enough.

Intentionally skipped the presentation

As reported by cricketage, SLC President Sumathipala went abroad a day before the last match of the series. In other news, SLC CEO Ashley De’Silva had switched off his phone just before the post match ceremony to avoid the presentation.

Aruna de Silva who’s in charge of Tour Operations Manager and Chandima Mapatuna, Manager International Cricket department was the one presenting the trophy to victorious skipper Virat Kohli.

While there’s no doubt that Sri Lankan cricket has been going the worst patch they’ve seen, the BCCI wasn’t pleased with what happened. Even the fans present at the occasion were surprised to witness such a scene.

According to the same report, the SLC Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer were present at Colombo but didn’t come forward and switched off their mobiles, since they were partying late till night. If true, this is a new low for the Sri Lankan cricket.