Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga criticizes Sri Lanka Cricket for their remarks at PCB

Sri Lankan cricket team recently toured Pakistan for limited-overs bilateral series which included three One Day Internationals and as many Twenty 20 Internationals. This was the first time the Lankan side traveled to Pakistan after the horrendous terrorist attack on their side way back in 2009 in Pakistan. This tour worked as a big revival for international cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tried their best to make it a memorable series for their fans as well as for the visiting side.

The hospitality PCB gave to the visiting Sri Lankan side was top notch. After all, this was a golden opportunity for them to impress both Sri Lanka Cricket and International Cricket Council (ICC). Many Lankan players were pleased with the hospitality and security arranged by PCB but that wasn’t the case with SLC President Shammi Silva. He said that he was fed up of staying inside the hotel for 2 to 3 continuous days. They were not allowed to roam or travel outside.

Arjuna Ranatunga upset

Former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga was upset by his own countryman’s remarks towards PCB. He expressed the same in his statements. Former World Cup winning skipper showered praise on the Pakistan Cricket Board thanking them for giving their best to revive international cricket in Pakistan amidst so many tensions and security worries.

“I am sure the public statements by our officials must be upsetting Pakistan. They are doing their best to bring cricket back into the country and statements like these don’t help their cause. As a former captain, I must congratulate PCB for the excellent show they put up during our recent visit. All that I can tell the PCB is that don’t take what officials over here say too seriously. Neither do they understand the game nor what security is,” Ranatunga said, quoted by The Island.

According to Ranatunga, not many teams toured Sri Lanka in 1980s due to civil war. Sri Lanka suffered a lot in that period that’s why they know what it means to be deprived of playing cricket at home. Pakistan is also suffering the same fate right now and every other cricketing body should support them. “Everyone must try and help them in these tough moments. It is a shame that SLC is not doing enough to help PCB. People running the game at present perhaps do not know how much Pakistan helped us during our early days,” he added.

~ Written by Chinmay Jathar