Theekshana hits out at Sri Lanka’s gruelling WC schedule
Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana criticized the demanding World Cup schedule imposed on his side, describing it as ‘unjust’. Sri Lanka is one of just two teams, the other being the Netherlands, that will be playing their four group stage matches in four distinct stadiums. In addition, Sri Lanka’s hotel in New York, where they commenced their campaign against South Africa on June 3, was located at a distance of one hour and forty minutes from the site. The Asian side has also experienced flight delays and endured long hours at airports.
“It is unjust for us as we are required to depart each day [following the match] due to the fact that we are competing at four distinct locations,” Theekshana expressed following his team’s loss to South Africa. “It is unjust.” We had an extensive delay of almost eight hours at the Miami airport before boarding our aircraft from Florida. And we arrived. Our departure time was scheduled for 8pm, however, we ended up boarding the airplane at 5am. Although it may seem unjust to us, the timing of when you play on the field is inconsequential.
“I am unable to disclose the names of the teams that have been given the chance to remain in the same location, but their hotel is conveniently located only 14 minutes away from the stadium.” Our training session lasted approximately one hour and 40 minutes,” he stated, acknowledging that Sri Lanka had to cancel one of their training sessions due to exhaustion from traveling and the long distance they had to travel to practice.
“Even from the hotel, the distance takes one hour and 40 minutes to travel.” “Even on this current day of the match, we had to rouse ourselves at approximately 5am in order to arrive at this location,” Theekshana stated.
Theekshana further observed that playing each game in different sites deprives Sri Lanka of the ability to promptly understand or evaluate the prevailing conditions. In their inaugural World Cup match in New York, they chose to bat first against South Africa but were dismissed for a mere 77 runs, resulting in a six-wicket loss.
“There are a total of four games taking place in four different venues.” It is difficult. We were completely unaware of the problems present at this location. This game was our inaugural appearance in New York. The upcoming game in Dallas is shrouded in uncertainty over the prevailing conditions. “Our next game will be in Florida, where we have already played two games. This is the only advantage we have,” Theekshana stated.
On June 3, South Africa, who will be facing their opposition, have the advantage of playing two further matches in New York. Meanwhile, India, who will start their campaign against Ireland on June 5, will also have three games at the same location before moving to Florida for their final group stage match.
“I am unable to disclose the names of the teams that are competing in the same location, in order to ensure that they are aware of the prevailing conditions.” The practice games are being played at the identical location. That will be incomprehensible to everyone. We participated in the practice matches in Florida, and our third match will also take place in Florida.
Theekshana also disclosed the Sri Lankan team’s need to hastily move and depart immediately after playing a match on travel days.
“There are certain aspects that I believe everyone will reconsider in the coming year, as I am aware that no significant alterations will occur this year.” Our administration is now making efforts to resolve the issue with today’s flight. As a result, we must promptly pack our belongings and depart. “We woke up at approximately 5.30 in order to arrive at this location. The thought of potentially overlooking something while hastily packing is causing concern,” he expressed.
Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasaranga refrained from only attributing the team’s poor performance against South Africa to logistical problems. However, he shared Theekshana’s sentiments over the challenges his side faces in the World Cup.
“While we cannot definitively attribute the impact to performance, we did face challenging circumstances, particularly in the recent days.” “We still endure a journey of one and a half hours in the morning [of game day], and we have our initial round of four games taking place in four different locations,” he stated.
Sri Lanka had a three-day interval before their upcoming match against Bangladesh on June 7 in Dallas. Subsequently, they journey to Florida for their match against Nepal on June 11, followed by their last group-stage game against Netherlands in St. Lucia on June 16.