Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s omission from cricket team raised in Parliament

A group of cricket fans protesting in front of SLC headquarters for the inclusion of Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the national team to India

The controversy surrounding the omission of Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa from the Sri Lanka team for the upcoming T20I series in India was raised in Parliament yesterday.

Rajapaksa was not selected for reportedly failing the skinfolds test of the fitness requirements set by Sri Lanka Cricket for national selection although he had passed the 2 km-run.

The Opposition questioned Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa over Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s omission. The Minister responded by saying that the team was selected on the basis of the advice of the independent selection committee and the consultant coach for all national teams Mahela Jayawardene.

Stating that Bhanuka Rajapaksa was a talented cricketer, the Minister said that his omission was not the end of his cricket career and he will make a comeback soon.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa announced his retirement from international cricket last month, but after meeting the Sports Minister he made a U-turn and decided to withdraw his letter of retirement.

Meanwhile a group of cricket fans staged a protest in front of Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters at Maitland Place calling for the inclusion of Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the national team for India.