Spectators left stranded at end of T20 match

At the outset, I must say it was a great relief — and indeed refreshing — to see our national cricket team finally at the winning post at the recent T20 World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Equally encouraging was the sight of loyal fans thronging the stands, despite the team having lost six consecutive T20 matches prior to this game.

What was deeply disappointing, however, was the utter lack of transport facilities for the thousands of spectators attempting to return home after the match. Unlike at many overseas venues, there was no convenient access to trains, nor any organised bus services. As a result, fans were left at the mercy of opportunistic three-wheeler operators demanding exorbitant fares even for short distances.

Could not Sri Lanka Cricket have anticipated this and arranged suitable post-match transport—not only for local supporters, but also for the large number of Irish fans who had travelled to Colombo to witness a World Cup event? Surely, the SLC has a responsibility to ensure at least basic transport arrangements as a courtesy to spectators attending an international tournament.

I personally witnessed a foreign lady with an infant in a pram and another young child, desperately trying to find safe transport back to her hotel. This was both distressing and embarrassing. Would it have been so difficult for Sri Lanka Cricket to arrange a fleet of private buses, or partner with services such as PickMe or Uber, with clearly designated pick-up points near the stadium and prior information given to ticket holders?

Sri Lanka Cricket must remember that hosting a World Cup match goes beyond what happens on the field. 

- Placi Gomez