India’s neighboring country Sri Lanka is facing financial crisis. It has also affected the game. A month ago, the government had asked the Olympic Association to forget about participating in the Commonwealth Games in Britain. In view of the situation in the country, the government had refused to give the fund. Then the Sri Lanka Cricket Board came forward and the country’s largest team is ready to take part in the games to be held in Birmingham from 28 July.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Sri Lanka’s Chief D Mission Dumpath Fernando said, “The Treasury said that they do not have money, so forget about it. We got stuck in a difficult situation.” The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) came forward and helped by giving 22 million Sri Lankan rupees when all the roads appeared to be closed. It’s a huge amount.”
Fernando said, “Our country is very small. We administration people know each other very well. We must appreciate the help of Sri Lanka Cricket Board in this ongoing economic downturn. It’s quite different.” With the money received from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, the government has booked air tickets for some players and official people going to Birmingham. On the other hand, the National Federation will use a small part of it for the clothes and necessities of the players.
From boxers to track and field stars, many players including sprint sensation Youpun Abekoon (the first South Asian to run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds) will get help from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. Not only this, Abekoon will continue to get financial assistance from the Lanka Cricket Board for the next two years for his training and playing abroad.
Amidst the ongoing economic slowdown and heavy protests in the country, the source of income for the Sri Lanka Cricket Board was broadcast deals and ticket sales. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the series against Australia allowed spectators to come to the stadium to watch the match. The board has reportedly donated around $2 million from the Australia series for the welfare of the people.