Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has introduced stricter fitness and disciplinary measures for national players, including random alcohol and drug testing and closer monitoring of their diets, Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee member Sidath Wettimuny has revealed.
Speaking at a press conference, Wettimuny said the board was implementing several new initiatives to improve players’ fitness, discipline and overall professionalism.
He said players are now subjected to weekly skinfold measurements to monitor body fat levels and are provided with individual fitness routines.
“We are doing things which we have never done before. Every week our players are tested for skinfold measurements and they are given a routine of what they have to do,” Wettimuny said.
He said improvements were already visible on the field, with players appearing fitter, more agile and focused.
Wettimuny also revealed that the players’ eating habits had been identified as a major concern.
“Food, diet has been a huge problem according to Gary. Our guys do not eat the kind of food they need to eat,” he said.
To address the issue, SLC has appointed a dietician to closely monitor players’ meals, both in Sri Lanka and during overseas tours.
Wettimuny said dietary instructions were even being communicated directly to hotels accommodating the national team to ensure players followed their prescribed meal plans.
The same dietary and fitness requirements are also being applied to players preparing for upcoming Test assignments.
Meanwhile, Wettimuny confirmed that SLC has begun introducing alcohol and drug testing as part of its efforts to strengthen player discipline.
“We have also started doing alcohol testing or drug testing or whatever,” he said.
He added that players would be informed about random checks going forward.
“Random checks on alcohol content, whatever. We are doing that also to make sure the players stay focused on the game and don’t step out of line,” Wettimuny said.
He emphasised that discussions with players also covered smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition and other aspects of professional conduct.
According to Wettimuny, the new measures are intended to ensure that players maintain the fitness, discipline and professionalism required to perform consistently at international level.(Newswire)