Australia’s cricket players have reportedly raised ethical concerns over a scheduled tour of Sri Lanka, with an economic crisis and political turmoil still raging on the island.
With the Australian cricket team due to fly next week, there has been “unease about the morals around touring Sri Lanka in the current circumstances,” reports The Guardian.
At a time of power cuts across the South, Australia will be playing cricket matches under the floodlights of a stadium in Colombo. They will also be travelling across the island, whilst many are stranded for hours due to fuel shortages.
“The players are very aware of the situation in Sri Lanka and it’s fair to say there is a level of discomfort around touring in conditions that contrast those faced by the people of Sri Lanka, such as rising food prices, power cuts and fuel rationing,” Australian Cricketers Association CEO Todd Greenberg told AAP.
“Ultimately our players want to continue to play cricket and will take direction, guidance and advice from [Cricket Australia] about tour arrangements and planning.”
Earlier this year, there were repeated calls for the Australian cricket team to boycott games with Sri Lanka, given the country’s abysmal human rights record. For years campaigners have called on Australia’s sportspeople to boycott Sri Lanka.
