Sri Lanka fans hold up team bus to express displeasure over the loss

The section of Sri Lanka spectators held up the team bus and voiced strident displeasure over the team’s performance in the first ODI against India in Dambulla. Sri Lanka, yet again lost to India on the tour in another one sided encounter conceding the opening ODI game by 9 wickets. The visitors made a mockery of the hosts’ target of 216 by chasing it down with more than 21 overs to spare.

A group of about 50 fans had stood in the vicinity of Sri Lanka’s parked bus, shouting slogans and hooting, until police stepped in and cleared the gathering. The incident had delayed Sri Lanka’s departure from the venue by close to half an hour. This reaction from the fans was expected as the team has slipped to several unprecedented losses this year and things are not looking good for the future.

Social media has been aflame with the tweets questioning the commitment of the players and also taking a dig at selectors and administrators. The fans gathered around the team bus and began chanting “We want our cricket back.” “Bring back brand of cricket we played in 1996.”

Sangakkara urges the supporters to back the team

Former Sri Lankan legend, Kumar Sangakkara, too seemed hurt with the way the team lost but urged fans to stay with the team. He took to social media to appeal to the fans and said that this is the time when the team needs its fans most.

The champion, who is currently playing in CPL, said, “”When we won, you celebrated with us, and when we lost, you grieved alongside us. When the team was struggling – when we were most in need – your love and support was our strength. Now, what our cricketers need is that same, love, support, patience and effort. Let’s hope for the team’s victory, and support them as one.”

Upul Tharanga, the newly appointed Sri Lanka skipper had also requested the supporters to be with the team ahead of the first ODI. He had said, “The support of our fans plays a big role in the morale of the team. We play for our country and our goal is to bring pride to our family of 20 million in this nation – so your support is something that matters greatly to us … trust in us, and stick with us, so that you can be our strength as we rise again like lions.”