Bangladesh Test under closed doors

From left: Sri Lanka Cricket Security Manager Palitha Seneviratne, Central Province Cricket Association President Sarath Ekanayake and Central Province Cricket Association Secretary Janaka Pathiran

Text and Pix by Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will host two test matches against the visiting Bangladesh Cricket Team starting on 21 April at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium which is in top condition. The second test will commence on 29 April. Both these matches will be played behind closed doors.

A security meeting took place involving the Central Province Cricket Association President Sarath Ekanayake and Secretary Janaka Pathirana along with the Police and Army yesterday at the venue.

Ekanayake said: “We need to oblige to security and Health Ministry concerns. Sri Lanka did well to organise the LPL (Local Premier League) and England tour both taking place down south. This will be one of the test matches taking place in Kandy after many years. Both teams will be stationed at Ozo Hotel and only limited officials will be allowed for these two encounters. These matches will be live on television and no spectators will be allowed to witness these two matches.”

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Security Manager Palitha Seneviratne said: “At the moment the health guidelines do not allow any spectators for these matches. May be later on when the COVID situation improves they will be allowed to witness future tour matches. We are thankful to Police and Army for their support.”

Pallekelle International Stadium in top condition before the Bangladesh test matches