Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday responded to former captain Arjuna Ranatunga who had criticised the board for agreeing to play against a “second-string Indian team” in the upcoming white-ball series, starting july 13. The cricket board refuted Ranatunga’s claims, saying the Indian team, led by Shikhar Dhawan, is a strong side.
World Cup-winning former captain Ranatunga had hit out at the Sri Lankan cricket board, saying the governing body agreed to host the Indian side to cater to TV marketing needs and that it’s an insult that a “weaker” team would be playing in the island nation while the Test regulars, led by Virat Kohli will prepare for their 5-Test series against England in the UK.
“This is a second-string Indian team and their coming here is an insult on our cricket. I blame the current administration for agreeing to play with them due to television marketing needs,” Ranatunga had said.
India named a 20-man squad with 6 uncapped players. The team will be led by Shikhar Dhawan and features fresh faces. It will be coached by former captain Rahul Dravid.
Sri Lanka Cricket pointed out that 14 of the 20 players have played for India across all formats and the Dhawan-led side is a “strong” one.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that despite claims by various parties as reported in the Media, the National White-Ball team of India currently touring Sri Lanka is a strong squad,” SLC said in a statement.
“Out of the 20-member India squad, 14 players have represented India across all formats or in some form. (Test, ODI, or T20i), and not a ‘second string team,’ as claimed.”
Latest norm in international cricket: SLC
SLC also said international teams have been fielding two sides simultaneously to deal with the restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, this is one of the rarest occasions where two Indians sides will be in action simultaneously.
India will play 3 ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka between July 13 and 25 while Virat Kohli’s men take on England in a 5-Test series, starting August 4.
“This is the latest norm in the cricketing world, especially the full ICC Member countries, as they maintain specialist squads and players for each format of the game.
“The aim of such arrangements is to be competitive in each format of the game by maintaining specialist players and squads.
“Apart from it, maintaining separate squads enable cricketing boards to fulfill their international commitments unhindered, such as the ICC Future Tours Program,” the statement read.
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