Sri Lanka’s T20 Cricket World Cup campaign faces a major setback as visa delays strand several players and support staff at home. Among those affected is star batsman Kusal Mendis, whose absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s preparations ahead of the tournament. With the competition nearing its start, the delay in Mendis’ arrival leaves a crucial void in the team’s lineup.
SLC has expressed their frustration, pointing fingers at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing to expedite the visa process. The governing body along with the host USA Cricket are responsible for facilitating visas for all participating teams, now faces mounting pressure to resolve the issue.
The Sri Lankan government has also contacted US embassy officials in Colombo over the delay in getting visas for some players and still awaits a proper response. So far, visa delays have only been reported in Colombo, while all other teams are on their way to the USA.
Hosted by the United States for the first time, the T20 World Cup was hailed as a landmark event for cricket’s expansion into new territories. However, the promise of smooth travel arrangements has been overshadowed by bureaucratic hurdles, leaving Sri Lanka Cricket scrambling for solutions.
With time running out, SLC’s plea to the ICC underscores the urgency of the situation. The outcome of this visa saga could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of future international events, as the cricketing world watches closely. (NewsWire)
