Sri Lanka’s Chairman of Selectors Sanath Jayasuriya stated that the unruly behaviour of the Sri Lankan spectators during the 3rd ODI at Pallekele which Sri Lanka lost by 6 wickets and surrendered the series 0-3 with two matches still to go prompted him to step down from his post. Their tenure will come to an end following the solitary T20I on 6th September.
Sri Lanka has suffered a string of series defeats this year and the series loss to India with two matches to is a testimony to their lacklustre performances across all formats in the recent past. They were also whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series which took place before the limited overs series.
During the third ODI, Team India was coasting towards their victory target and sensing that the home team will suffer yet another defeat, the spectators started hurling objects in the field which halted play for 32 minutes. The play could get underway only after a section of the crowd was evacuated by the Riot Police.
“As a player who has represented the country at all levels and a former captain I have taken immense pride being involved with this great game. Last Sunday’s incident, however, was the last straw. It was painful to see our own fans attacking our players,” Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by the Cricbuzz on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka’s dismal performances began with the 3-0 whitewash in Tests and a 5-0 battering in ODI’s at the hands of South Africa and then lost their first ever Test match to Bangladesh. The Islanders then suffered first ever series defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe and then lost each of the 3 Tests against India inside 4 days.
“It has been a very disappointing year for us. I don’t have any doubts about the talents we have. We have some immensely talented players. I am sure we will be back to winning ways soon. I go full of tears, but with my head held high. I wish Sri Lankan cricket all the very best,” Jayasuriya said.
The former left-handed opener who was the head of the selection panel from 2013 to 2015 was brought back as the chairman in May 2016 and his contract was till 2017 but Sri Lanka’s dismal performances have prompted him to step down earlier than his contract ends.