Sehwag appeals to ICC to take stern measure against Sri Lanka players

Yesterday, in the ongoing final Test between India and Sri Lanka, the visitors were seen donning a mask on the pitch due to poor air quality. The match is being played at Feroze Shah Kotla, in Delhi, which is presently engulfed in severe smog. The SLC has also raised the question to its Indian counterpart, the BCCI, to explain why the national capital was chosen as the venue for the match.

During the 123rd over of India’s innings, the play suddenly stopped as the Sri Lankan players wanted to leave the pitch. It has been hazy during the morning generally due to winter but even after lunch when the sun’s pretty much atop, the foggy overcast around the field seemed persistent.

However, during a post-match analysis on a TV channel, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag revealed that he didn’t appreciate the tactic adopted by the Islanders. Sehwag has even made a plea to the ICC to take stern action the Sri Lanka players for their behaviour on the field and for disrupting the ongoing match.

Speaking on the channel, Sehwag said, “ICC must look after this happening, which took place at Feroz Shah Kotla today, and should take action against Sri Lanka players”.

The match was paused for 17 minutes

The match was halted for 17 minutes after lunch as the visiting players, led by skipper Dinesh Chandimal, wanted to leave the field of play complaining of severe pollution. The Lankans were seen wearing anti-pollution masks during the post-lunch session. The play was subsequently paused between 12:32 pm to 12:49 pm after which the umpires and match referee David Boon convinced them to continue. However, there was another stoppage of play in the 127th over when Lakmal walked off the field after bowling the fifth ball.

The umpires once gathered to sort out any differences, following which Sri Lanka manager Asanka Gurusinha and India coach Ravi Shastri also joined in.