SL 'A', SA 'A' Test venue shifted to Dambulla
by S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr.
The second unofficial Cricket Test between Sri Lanka 'A' and South
Africa 'A' which was scheduled to commence at the Asgiriya Stadium today
has been shifted to the Rangiri Dambulu International Stadium due to the
prevailing wet weather conditions in Kandy.
The shifting of the venue was decided only yesterday morning and one
wonders how they are going to prepare a test wicket to last four days
within 24 hours. If they succeed in doing so, Sri Lanka cricket may
create a record unprecedented in the annals of local cricket, or may
even enter the Guinness Book of records.
When this correspondent spoke to the local venue manager and the
General Secretary of the Central Province Cricket Association Janaka
Pathirana who confirmed that the match has been shifted from Asgiriya to
the Dambulla.
He has also cancelled all other match arrangements which included
security, medical (Ambulance, doctors, nursing staff) Sri Telecom, ball
pickers, net bowlers, meals etc. and also informed Trinity College who
are the owners of the Asgiriya Stadium about this cancellation.
This correspondent also contacted the venue manager of Dambulla
International Stadium Sujeewa Godaliyadde who said that the shifting of
this match is in the air but he has not received anything in writing due
to short notice.
He said these are ten wickets but they will have to be prepared for
the match which has been not done upto 2 p.m. yesterday (Monday).
There has been no rain and the weather condition is good. The two
dressing rooms are ready. He also confirmed that the national curator
Anuruddha Polonowita is expected anytime after that only it will be
known whether this match will be played depending on the preparation of
the wicket.
Shifting of this match from Asgiriya to Dambulla at the last minute
apart from the preparation of the wicket will raise several issues like
accommodation etc. Both teams who arrived in the hill capital on Sunday
were accommodated at the Five Star Mahaweli Reach Hotel in Kandy.
The distance from Kandy to Dambulla is 72 kilometres and takes around
two hours for the journey. They may have to remain in Kandy unless
alternative suitable accommodation could be found in Damulla for both
teams.
In the event accommodation is found at Dambulla they may have to
compensate Mahaweli Reach Hotel for the reservation, and the quantum of
payment is not known.
For the record the wicket at the Asgiriya Stadium has been prepared
days ahead of the match and kept covered yesterday even the boundary
ropes had been laid. But the outfield is soggy and has to be moved.
Since a firm booking had been made to play this match at the Asgiriya
Stadium, Sri Lanka Cricket may have to pay ground hire charges, if a
request for same is made by Trinity College authorities. |