Sri Lanka cricket fans protest as team continues losing streak

By APD Writer Easwaran

DAMBULLA, Aug. 21 (APD) -- Angry Sri Lanka cricket fans protested on Sunday night at a cricket stadium in the central town of Dambulla after Sri Lanka continued its losing streak in the game.

Sri Lanka lost the opening game of the five match One Day International series against India by 9 wickets after losing the just concluded Test series as well.

The fans initially invaded the stadium as the match came to an end in protest over Sri Lanka’s poor performance.

The police and ground staff removed the fans before any damage could be done to the cricket pitch.

However, later large crowds gathered outside and inside parts of the venue preventing the team and Sri Lanka cricket board members, including its president Thilanga Sumathipala, from leaving the premises.

Riot police had to be called in to protect the team and the cricket board members and to clear the venue.

The Sri Lanka team and Sri Lanka cricket board members were able to leave the stadium after several minutes.

Former Sri Lankan cricketers have been calling for a change in the administration of the game as the team, which was in 1996 crowned world champions, was now suffering poor form.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)