Jayasuriya’s resignation letter to Sri Lanka sports minister

ESPNCricinfo: Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said the incident at Pallekele, when fans threw plastic bottles on to the field and held up play by 35 minutes, was “the last straw” which prompted his committee to resign. The full text of his resignation letter to the sports minister is below.

Dear Sir,

I write this letter with great sadness in my heart as after long discussion with fellow selectors, we have unanimously decided to tender our resignation on September 7 2017.

As a player who has represented the country at all levels, and as a former captain and current chairman of selectors, last Sunday’s incident at the grounds was the last straw. Cricket has been and will always be my life, so it was particularly painful to see our own fans attack our own players.

I acknowledge it has been a very disappointing year. However, just one year ago we beat Australia at home three-nil. This was an unforgettable moment. We have some very talented boys and I am sure in time they will take cricket to the heights that it once was. We will always be ready to help Sri Lanka cricket should the need arise.

The 1996 players always will think of the glory days with nostalgia. We would like to thank you sir for all the help and support extended to us. We would also like to thank the president and the board for the unwavering support that was extended to us.

Finally we would like to thank the team for giving us their best at all times. We go with our eyes full of tears but with our heads held high. To all the fans we say please have faith in the boys. They will deliver. To the boys we say: believe in your ability and believe in the fans. They will be with you ultimately. We believe we will keep to our vision and succeed as One team, One nation.

Yours faithfully,

Sanath Jayasuriya