Sri Lanka cricket stars slam government after deadly unrest

Sri Lankan cricket greats Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have hit out at the government after five people were killed in political violence and more than 200 injured

|May 10, 2022, 16:18:54 IST

Colombo: Sri Lankan cricket greats Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have hit out at the government after five people were killed in political violence and more than 200 injured.Current and former cricketers enjoy a massive fan following in Sri Lanka and their comments carry weight.[caption id="attachment_9996141" align="alignnone" width="640"]

File image of Mahela Jayawardene. Image: SPORTZPICS for BCCI[/caption]"Peaceful protesters demanding for their basic needs and rights attacked by despicable thugs and goons backed by the thugs and goons in the government. Disgusting," Sangakkara wrote on Twitter."This is state-backed violence. Intentional and planned," Sangakkara, a former Sri Lanka captain and now head coach of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, added.

Jayawardene, coach of IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, attached a video of a woman being beaten and tweeted: "This is how they attacked a female protester in front of police officers... shame on you @PodujanaParty and government of SL for using violence."

Supporters of the ruling Rajapaksa family on Monday attacked unarmed protesters who have been demonstrating peacefully for weeks.They have been demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the country's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa quit on Monday, but that did little to calm public anger.Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga also weighed in on Twitter, writing: "Cowardly and Barbaric! Two words sum up today's attack on innocent & PEACEFUL Sri Lankan Protesters."I am disappointed to even think we have such leadership in our country. My heart is with everyone standing United for this cause."

Wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who is in Bangladesh with Sri Lanka's touring squad, said he was "utterly disappointed about the well organised attacks towards the peaceful and innocent protesters".Cricket Australia said on Tuesday that it was monitoring the situation ahead of a tour of Sri Lanka next month, but that for now it would go ahead.Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, IPL Live Score, IPL 2022 schedule, IPL 2022 Points table and Entertainment News. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Rohit Sharma finally responds to growing speculation over his India future: 'Let the noise be there'

India ODI opener Rohit Sharma silenced speculation about his future with a record‑breaking performance at Lord’s Cricket Ground. HE became the first Indian cricketer to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.

2 min read

Shubman Gill pins India's loss on death-over lapses after England run riot: 'We gave away lot of runs'

India ODI captain Shubman Gill rued over the team's shortcomings in the third match against England. India suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions in the one-day series.

1 min read

Rohit shines with historic Lord's ton, but England seal series 2-1

With his back against the wall and an illustrious career on the line, Rohit Sharma silenced his critics the only way he can, smashing one of his most celebrated centuries in recent memory, though it wasn't enough to prevent a 27run defeat in the third ODI against England, as India surrendered the series 12 here Sunday

4 min read

India and England players don black armbands, observe minute's silence at Lord's to honour Sir Garfield Sobers

Players of India and England wore black armbands and held a minute's silence at Lord’s Cricket Ground ahead of the third ODI to honour legendary West Indies all‑rounder Sir Garfield Sobers.

1 min read

India coach shrugs off Rohit Sharma form woes amid speculation on ODI future: 'He brings that calmness'

India bowling coach Morne Morkel shrugged off any form-related concern over former India his captain Rohit Sharma after he failed to put up impactful knocks in past two matches.