SLC Secretary Credits Rahul Dravid For The Success Of Limited-Overs Series: The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has badly affected the game of cricket all around the world. It still has been causing certain concerns to conduct several series and tournaments. Despite strict protocols and bio-secure environments, the noble Coronavirus has been affecting the camps of the teams and franchises around the world. And because of the same reason, several series and tournaments have either been postponed or suspended.
While last year, the T20 World Cup was postponed to this year, on the other hand, IPL 2021 had to be suspended mid-way after several players turned out COVID positive from different franchises. In the recently concluded limited-overs series between India and Sri Lanka, Coronavirus brought in hurdles. However, team India’s tour ended on a successful note for both the cricket boards.
According to a report by FTP, both the teams were expected to play only a 3-match ODI series however the BCCI also agreed to play the 3-match T20I series as well. The Indian side got to play an international fixture ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2021.
Recently, in an interview with Cricbuzz, Mohan de Silva, the secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, acknowledged the positive role of Rahul Dravid during the recently concluded limited-overs home series against India.
After the players and staff members turned COVID positive, there were doubts about the completion of the series. However, the Indian cricket team went with the ‘bench strength’ and gave chance to many new youngsters. He also revealed how the Sri Lankan cricket board was benefited from the series.
Crediting Rahul Dravid for the successful completion of the series, Mohan de Silva said:
“The most encouraging aspect of the whole Pandya episode was the role of the support staff of the Indian team, led by Rahul. If he wanted, he could have easily taken the team back to India. He was very accommodating and understood the situation. He appreciated the efforts we were taking and realized that we were doing our best to protect the boys from virus dangers with all bio-secure guidelines,”
He added:
“It was a very, very valuable tour for us. We were looking forward to it for a long time. We were very grateful to BCCI top brass – Jay Shah and Sourav Ganguly – for acceding to our request to play three additional T20Is. Originally the tour was for only three ODIs. It enhanced the commercial value of the whole tour. We ended up earning almost $ 14.5 million. It is a huge boost to our finances,”
