Players expressed ethical reservations about SL series; but CA says tour is still on

Cricketers in Australia have expressed ethical misgivings about touring Sri Lanka but will back officials' decision to go forward with the tour next month (in June). Australia are scheduled to fly to Sri Lanka next week, despite the island nation's economic difficulties and political unrest.

Sri Lanka was placed under a curfew earlier this month after fatal protests; while it has since been removed, rising inflation and resource shortages remain an issue. 

After a reconnaissance of Sri Lanka by Cricket Australia’s head of security, the board has given the nod for the tour to go ahead.

The players are pleased that Australia's first tour to Pakistan in 24 years went ahead without a hitch, despite the country's recent tragedy. However, it is reported that certain players have expressed reservations about travelling to Sri Lanka in the current climate.

The three-match T20I series will be played under lights in Colombo amid recurring power outages. It is believed that the games may be switched to day games in the near future, but this has not been confirmed yet.

The team will also travel across the country for ODIs in Pallekele before the Test matches in Galle, during a period of severe fuel shortages. However, all the games are likely to draw large audiences, which could help Sri Lanka Cricket hoard some funds. 

The Australian Cricketers Association is aware of some players' concerns, but CEO Todd Greenberg indicated his members would not boycott the tour. 

Greenberg said, "The players are very aware of the situation in Sri Lanka, and it's fair to say there is a level of discomfort around touring in conditions that contrast those faced by the people of Sri Lanka, such as rising food prices, power cuts and fuel rationing." 

"Ultimately, our players want to continue to play cricket and will take direction, guidance and advice from CA about tour arrangements and planning."

There is also hope that the tour will benefit Sri Lanka's economy, which saw inflation hit a new high of 33.8 per cent year on year in April.

The CEO believed that the Australian cricketers were fortunate and said, "Our players are very fortunate to be able to ply their trade across the world, and as part of this, they form an affinity with the people from these countries."