The Sri Lankan cricket team has expressed concerns about the security situation in England due to ongoing anti-immigrant riots.

These concerns have been brought to the attention of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which has reassured the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board and the players about the security measures in place.

Sri Lanka players concerned about security ahead of England Test series

A group of Sri Lankan players and support staff currently in England for pre-series training, have voiced their worries about the unrest.

They are particularly anxious because their current stay in England is not covered by the official security plan. The players have requested additional security as they move around London.

“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are, but everyone is still a little concerned. We can’t really go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up,” a Sri Lankan player in England shared.

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The main Sri Lankan squad is expected to arrive in England for the three-match Test series on Sunday, which is when the ECB’s full security measures will begin.

Has ECB and the UK government given any reassurances to SLC on the matter?

Sri Lanka’s team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, has been in touch with the England and Wales Cricket Board after seeing reports of unrest, particularly in Manchester, where the first Test is scheduled to take place on August 21.

“I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well,” Halangoda stated.

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The UK government has assured all sporting bodies that the country remains safe for sports. This assurance came during an emergency call on Wednesday, where the UK police also emphasized their commitment to cracking down on and preventing any violence during the events.

When will England vs Sri Lanka Test series start

Sri Lanka is set to play three Tests in England. The first match begins on August 21 in Manchester, followed by games at Lord’s on August 29 and The Oval on September 6. Despite the ongoing unrest, the ECB and UK authorities are confident in the security measures for the series.