LNP – SLC says reports of players deliberately underperforming are false

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today denied media reports that certain players in the national team that played in the T20I series against South Africa did not fully commit themselves or deliberately underperformed on the field.

“Sri Lanka Cricket has not received such a complaint from the ‘Team Management’ against any player of the National squad,” SLC said in a media statement.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform you that it was the same group of players who played in the ODI series which Sri Lanka won against South Africa. Sri Lanka not only won the ODI series vs South Africa 2 – 1 but also gained crucial points and climbed up in the rankings of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League,” the statement also read.

Sri Lanka lost all three T20Is against South Africa, the third series defeat out of the four series they have played this year.

“It is understood and acknowledged by the fans that the Sri Lanka National Team, since the recent past is, progressing forward by winning important contests and heading in the right direction,” the statement also read.

“Such false reporting will also mentally affect the players, who are showing commitment and desire to count their presence in the team, as witnessed in the recent competitions, Sri Lanka played,” the statement went on to add.