Sri Lanka Cricket is not only facing the problem of disciplining its players off the field but also on it.
The latest bout of indiscipline came in the form of batsman Charith Asalanka hammering the winning runs to beat Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Sunday night and then flinging out his bat and helmet apparently to let off steam.
He then walked back keeping his finger on his lips leaving behind his bat and helmet that he used to score an unbeaten and match-winning 83.
He could have faced a charge of what is called “abusing the equipment”on the playing field that brings disrepute to his country, employer Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and his team.
Until that occassion Asalanka was seen as a mild character abiding the decency and norms of sound sportsmanship.
His reaction only suggested the state of affairs at both in the team as well as in the administration of the sport. According to a former player, every other team is now disciplined except Sri Lanka that once had a reputation for good behaviour on the pitch.
“Yes I know this is bad for all of us to see such things. At one time we were a disciplined team and now we have been left behind to languish,” said a former player who did not wish to be identified as he works for SLC.