Sri Lanka Cricket denies allegations of drinking party at team hotel during T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has come forward to deny allegations of a drinking party which involved several players and some of the coaching staff ahead of their crucial clash against South Africa during the T20 World Cup 2024. The allegations were first published in a newspaper and quickly went viral on social media. 

However, the SLC has quickly denied the allegations and branded them as a way to tarnish the board’s image. It is worth noting that Sri Lanka only registered one win in the T20 World Cup, defeating the Netherlands. The side finished third in their group, and the report about the party claimed that at least five leading players, including three top-order batsmen, a veteran fast-bowler, and a world-renowned all-rounder, were involved in a late-night drinking session. Furthermore, a newly appointed assistant coach and a prominent player manager were also part of the gathering. 

The article also raised concerns about the team manager’s presence in the party, suggesting that this might have breached the ICC’s code of conduct, even calling for local authorities to seriously help Sri Lanka’s struggles. Sri Lanka Cricket took to their social media and stated that the allegations are baseless and have not confirmed any such allegations.

“SLC categorically and strongly refutes the contents of the article and confirms that no such incidents, as described, have occurred. Therefore, SLC states unequivocally that the news report is entirely false, fabricated, and baseless,” the SLC tweeted.

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Besides, the board also asked the newspaper to publish a ‘Right of Reply’ to correct the misinformation and address the harm that is being caused by the fake allegations. Moreover, they also displayed their unwavering care towards all the players and officials of the Sri Lankan board.

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"We vehemently believe that such false reporting unfairly damages the reputation of Sri Lanka Cricket, its officials, and the players," the SLC said in a statement.