India not a second string staff: Sri Lanka Cricket responds after Arjuna Ranatunga slams dwelling board

Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday responded to former captain Arjuna Ranatunga who had criticised the board for agreeing to play in opposition to a “second-string Indian team” within the upcoming white-ball sequence, beginning july 13. The cricket board refuted Ranatunga’s claims, saying the Indian staff, led by Shikhar Dhawan, is a robust aspect.

World Cup-winning former captain Ranatunga had hit out on the Sri Lankan cricket board, saying the governing physique agreed to host the Indian aspect to cater to TV advertising and marketing wants and that it is an insult {that a} “weaker” staff can be enjoying within the island nation whereas the Test regulars, led by Virat Kohli will put together for his or her 5-Test sequence in opposition to England within the UK.”This is a second-string Indian team and their coming here is an insult on our cricket. I blame the current administration for agreeing to play with them due to television marketing needs,” Ranatunga had mentioned.India named a 20-man squad with 6 uncapped gamers. The staff might be led by Shikhar Dhawan and options recent faces. It might be coached by former captain Rahul Dravid.Sri Lanka Cricket identified that 14 of the 20 gamers have performed for India throughout all codecs and the Dhawan-led aspect is a “strong” one.”Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that despite claims by various parties as reported in the Media, the National White-Ball team of India currently touring Sri Lanka is a strong squad,” SLC mentioned in a press release.”Out of the 20-member India squad, 14 players have represented India across all formats or in some form. (Test, ODI, or T20i), and not a ‘second string team,’ as claimed.”Latest norm in worldwide cricket: SLCSLC additionally mentioned worldwide groups have been fielding two sides concurrently to take care of the restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, this is among the rarest events the place two Indians sides might be in motion concurrently.India will play 3 ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka between July 13 and 25 whereas Virat Kohli’s males tackle England in a 5-Test sequence, beginning August 4.”This is the latest norm in the cricketing world, especially the full ICC Member countries, as they maintain specialist squads and players for each format of the game.”The purpose of such preparations is to be aggressive in every format of the sport by sustaining specialist gamers and squads.”Apart from it, maintaining separate squads enable cricketing boards to fulfill their international commitments unhindered, such as the ICC Future Tours Program,” the assertion learn.