'So unfair for us' - Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana call out Sri Lanka's hectic schedule

The Sri Lankan cricket team finds itself in a tricky situation at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024, not just due to their disappointing loss against South Africa but also because of the logistical challenges they are facing. With matches spread across multiple venues, delayed flights, and hotels far from the game venues, the players are struggling to find their composure in this high-intensity tournament.

Sri Lanka suffered a disappointing six-wicket loss in their first group stage match against South Africa, managing to score a mere 77 runs, which the Proteas chased down with relative ease. This setback has only added to the difficulties the team is facing off the field.

The hectic schedule and logistical arrangements have been a major source of frustration for the Sri Lankan squad. Out of the 20 participating teams, Sri Lanka is one of only two teams playing their first-round matches at four different venues, with the Netherlands being the other.

Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have both spoken out about the unfairness of the schedule and logistical arrangements. Team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed that they had written to the ICC about the issues, but conceded that it was too late to make any changes.

"So unfair for us, we have to leave every day [after the match] because we are playing [at] four different venues. It's unfair. The flight we took from Florida, from Miami, we had to wait like eight hours in the airport to get the flight. And we came around. 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 [on the field]," Theekshana said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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We had to wake up around 5 am to come here: Maheesh Theekshana

Unlike teams like India and South Africa, who have the luxury of playing three matches at the same venue and staying in nearby facilities, Wanindu Hasaranga-led side's hotel has been in downtown Brooklyn, complicating early morning starts, a common feature of this tournament.

The hectic schedule had even forced Sri Lanka to cancel their training sessions on the eve of matches.

"Because even from the hotel, it's one hour and 40 minutes. Even today [match day], we had to wake up around 5 am to come here. I can't say the names of the teams that have got the opportunity to stay in the same place but their hotel is only 14 minutes to the ground. Ours was like one hour and 40 minutes.," he added.

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Hasaranga acknowledged the challenges but refused to use them as an excuse for their poor performance

"We can't say that. We had a tough time last few days. All four games in four venues. It's hard. We didn't know [anything about the conditions here]. This is our first game in New York. Next game in Dallas, we don't know [anything about the conditions there]. Next game is in Florida where we played two games, that's the only plus point we have," Hasaranga said.

Sri Lanka will now travel to Dallas for their next fixture against Bangladesh which is scheduled to be held on June 8.