File photo – Given the practice of covering the entire ground in Sri Lanka, a well-staffed temporary groundstaff for international games is the norm © Getty Images
SLC will launch an inquiry into the decision to strip Hambantota Stadium groundstaff of their branded SLC trousers – which they had been wearing – following the fifth ODI against Zimbabwe.
The groundstaff had been given SLC uniforms to wear while performing their duties at the venue, but had largely not expected to have to hand the clothing back. Many, however, reported only being paid after handing over their trousers, leaving them in only their underwear. The groundstaff were casual workers hired from the venue’s locality.
“They only paid us for our three days worth of work after taking our clothes,” one groundsman told Hiru News after being stripped of his trousers. Another said: “They hadn’t told us to come prepared with another set of clothes. They asked us to hand over the trousers, so we had no choice but to do that.”
Sri Lanka Cricket has since officially apologised to “those subjected to this ignominy” and said that “stern action will be taken against those responsible”, following the conclusion of an inquiry. Board officials were “perturbed by the reported incident”, the SLC statement also said.
As Sri Lanka Cricket has adopted the practice of covering the entire ground in the event of rain, the board usually hires dozens of local workers on a day-wage basis whenever a match is to be played at a nearby venue. Only recently have they required these workers to wear a full uniform.
Andrew Fidel Fernando is ESPNcricinfo’s Sri Lanka correspondent. @andrewffernando
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo