Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) faced criticism from certain quarters, after rescuing India for filling the void left by the abrupt departure of West Indies. The SLC, after facing criticism for agreeing to tour India, has defended its decision, saying it was in the best interest.
Following Windies withdrawal from the series after the fourth one-dayer in Dharamsala, the Indian board roped in Sri Lanka to play limited-overs series. The Islanders will be touring India to play five-match ODI series, starting November 1.
The SLC’s decision of a short India tour faced criticism but the Lankan board insisted that it was a collective decision. Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara also showed displeasure about the decision as the tour is clashing with the team’s fitness programme.
According to a SLC official the BCCI requested them for a late October tour but “however due to the required preparation undertaken by the national team, it was agreed by both BCCI and SLC to begin the tour from November 1.”
Meanwhile, the SLC is hoping to benefit from the tour by hosting India for a three-match Test series in August next year. The BCCI is yet to confirm the tour but SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga is hoping for a return of favour.
“As we are obliging India with a five-match ODI series there next month, India are obliged to return the tour next year and we have switched the Test series,” Ranatunga said.
