Representatives from England’s Barmy Army, the unofficial supporters group of the English Cricket team, were livid at the controversial two-tier policy and began drawing up petitions as well as meeting with Sri Lankan Cricket officials. Some have also commented that they feel “exploited”, after having personally donated to Sri Lanka Cricket to help rebuild cricket stadiums that were damaged in the 2004 South Asian Tsunami.
After meeting with members from Sri Lanka Cricket’s Executive committee, the issue remained unresolved with the Barmy Army tweeting,
“Disappointing meet with the secretary of S province cric ass & SL exec committee member, no access to 'foreigners' on the grass bank.”
Sri Lanka cricket continues to face severe financial difficulty, with debts of $32.5 million, after building the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota and another in Pallekele, as well as renovating the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Less than 2 weeks ago the government owned Bank of Ceylon had to step in and release $5 million in order to allow Sri Lanka’s cricket players wages to be paid, dating back to the World Cup in March 2011.
Sri Lanka to host England on ‘sub-standard’ cricket pitch (31 Jan 2012)