A 21-member Sri Lanka cricket squad, the highest number of players ever to leave the shores for a two-Test series, left for south Africa on Friday minus the usual invitational media coverage.
The two Test series has been shrouded in mystery with several questions raised, first over the disputed selection of the players done solely by coach Mickey Arthur and then reportedly dispatching a two-member inspection duo to South Africa to inspect health and safety issues.
Then came a media Statement as expected from Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday, the eve of the squad’s departure, that an unfit and lame Angelo Mathews would not be playing a part in the Test matches while at the same time having his name among the tour party members.
Two years ago Mathews, to prove his fitness, indulged in what is called dips or push-ups during a Test match against New Zealand in Wellington apparently to settle a score with his coach Chandika Hathurusinghe which was unusual for a sportsman of his modesty.
Sri Lanka Cricket media manager Prasanna Rodrigo who has had to come to grips amid the constraints said that his hands were tied due to the current circumstances related to the coronavirus.
“Taking into account the present healthcare measures and other factors that we have been directed to follow, there was no way we could have had the usual media coverage ahead of the (South Africa) tour,” said Rodrigo.
A day before the players were to leave a reporter from an English daily paper claimed he was subjected to an unofficial media blackout as he was sent from pillar to post when he became curious and wanted to interview new bowling coach David Saker who backed out saying he cannot answer media questions about himself.
In effect Sri Lanka Cricket also ran the affairs of the media by imposing their own pictures while debarring reporters and Press photographers from the LPL claiming coronavirus restrictions while some of its officials had an all expenses paid holiday in Hambantota.
The LPL was also marred by some sordid incidents involving Upul Tharanga at slip claiming a catch after the ball off the bat of Avishka Fernando hit the ground half a foot in front of him and Andre Russell standing his ground after gloving a ball to the wicket-keeper and deciding to walk back only after the catch was put to the television umpire for review.
He slammed the boundary line with his bat bringing the sport to disrepute.