Minister supports decision

Mahindananda Aluthgamage

Colombo: Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has defended the decision to send Angelo Mathews and Co. for the unscheduled tour to India.

“Some say we were attracted to the $6-7 million that we would be making. It was not the reason,” Aluthgamage told reporters. “It was a decision by the SLC and the selection committee. They wanted to give fringe players more opportunity.”

Aluthgamage said the Indian tour was looked at as part of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the World Cup. Asked to comment on the justification behind the decision after three straight losses in the five-match series, Aluthgamage said: “Although we have lost all three matches so far, we might beat India in the World Cup.”

(The Telegraph)