Should we bring ‘Aragalaya’ to the stadium?

For known reasons, the Sri Lankan Cricket fans are divided. One portion wants to bring the අරගලය to the cricket stadium where the rest, including myself and I wish to think it is the larger portion, want to keep politics out of the way from cricket.

It might seem selfish or insensitive towards the current crisis in Sri Lanka but there is a time and place for everything. Regardless of what their opinions are and why they think that just like how other countries have done it (using NBA and Club Football fan examples doesn’t count because those aren’t national teams), there are specific reasons to keep අරගලය out of the stadium.

1.) Cricket Australia is the 2nd richest cricket board and the team are the defending T20 World Cup Champions who are also the hosts for this year’s edition.

2.) Cricket Australia almost hesitated to come but have acknowledged the situation and even cited their personal concerns (security and lack of power) to which SLC has assured this will be handled.

3.) While ticket proceedings are to be donated to GoSL, SLC expects a $2.5 Million income from the tour through TV rights and advertising

4.) The Pakistan tour is to follow afterwards, India have also expressed their concerns and have shown interest in visiting for a T20 series while the Asia Cup is to be hosted on Sri Lanka

5.) Cancelling the Asia Cup once commencee would result in a $6 Million loss

Apart from these reasons, I think there is no need to repeat on why we should not bring අරගලය into cricket in any of these occasions leading upto the World Cup. It is impossible to not show displeasure and a few boards will obviously be seen on TV but if there is anything better we can do, it is to say Thank you Australia for coming since they are the first visitors since Sri Lanka was in a crisis (remember how Pakistan welcomed us?).

As for spectators, be vigilant of those who seem to act in an unruly manner since there are obviously preplanned attempts of disruptors. Personal agendas of any sort should be kept at bay and our chances in rebuilding the country though sports should not be jeopardised (remember how some LTTE supporters would protest outside stadiums or even invade pitches?).

Any concern on a wider level would easily Australia home packing without a second thought. #SLvsAUS