Explained: Why anti-riot squad has been deployed at Sri Lanka Cricket's premises?

Amid fears of a protest following a crushing defeat to India in the World Cup on Thursday, an anti-riot squad was deployed by Sri Lanka Police in front of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) premises in Colombo on Friday.

World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table

According to a report in news agency PTI, the police anti-riot squad were equipped with water cannons and were deployed near the SLC head office in the Maitland Place, Colombo.

This development comes after some fans had given warning about a demonstration in front of the cricket board’s premises, while calling for the Sri Lanka Cricket’s governing body.

Following Sri Lanka’s heavy 302-run loss to India, fans had taken to social media, urging for the resignation of all executive committee members, that is headed by president Shammi Silva.

In a statement, the SLC had called for “an urgent and comprehensive explanation from the coaching staff and selectors,” for the debacle at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

After knocks from Shubman Gill (92), Virat Kohli (88) and Shreyas Iyer (82) had led India to 357/8 in their World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday, the Lankan batters crumbled under pressure as they were dismissed for just 55 runs, the lowest World Cup score by a Test-playing nation.

Mohammed Shami (5/18) continued his stupendous form whereas Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja were also among the wickets.

“They did better with five more runs than in the Asia Cup,” Sujith Amendra, a 40-year-old tuk tuk (auto) driver and an ardent cricket fan said.

He was referring to Sri Lanka’s abject surrender —50 all out— against India in the Asia Cup final in September this year.

The fans in general are calling for a complete overhaul of the SLC management, accusing it of making wrong decisions to leave the team weaker.

Speculation is rife that sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe may appoint an interim committee by sacking the current administration of Silva.

The ICC, however, is averse to politically appointed governing bodies. The 1973 sports law gives the minister power over sports bodies.

With inputs from PTI