Nidahas Trophy: India vs Sri Lanka to go on despite Sri Lanka emergency

The Nidahas Trophy is set to start as per schedule despite Sri Lankan government declaring a state of emergency. The police curfew re-imposed on the Kandy district of Sri Lanka has, for the time being, not disrupted the tri-series, featuring India and Bangladesh along with hosts Sri Lanka. 

However, amidst the tension, the BCCI media manager spoke to reporters and stated that they have understood the situation properly. “Curfew was imposed in Digana district of Kandy, 156 km away from Colombo, in the aftermath of the tense situation that erupted after reports of arson following the death of a 41-year-old who was allegedly assaulted by group of four people,” he said. 

“There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation in picture is Kandy and not Colombo. This is to notify everyone that after talking to concerned security personnel (Ministerial security division – in charge of team security) we have understood that the situation is completely normal in Colombo. If at all there is any update on the same we shall notify,” said BCCI in a statement hours before the first ball. 

A source also told TOI Sports that the tri-series will not have any impact and there is nothing to worry. The Nidahas Trophy (T20 tri-series) is being played to celebrate the 70th year of Sri Lanka’s Independence. Along with India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh is the third team in the competition.