SLC gets tough on players with comprehensive guidelines
View(s):By Champika Fernando
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is to introduce comprehensive guidelines to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and decorum among national players and support staff. Team discipline has eroded in recent months, putting pressure on SLC to implement a programme to instil discipline to protect the image of the country and the game.
These guidelines encompass various aspects of conduct, attire, travel, accommodation as well as speaking to media and tour-related activities, reflecting the importance of upholding the integrity and reputation of Sri Lankan cricket both on and off the field. They aim to create a positive image of the team and country, emphasizing the significance of professionalism in all engagements.
The difference of appearance is visible when another of the same calibre, but more disciplined, stand beside
Discipline and attire
Players and support staff are required to adhere to dress codes specific to different occasions. For instance, during team photos, players must wear the provided shirt, pants, and blazer, ensuring a uniform and formal appearance. The playing attire is mandatory for the toss, national anthem, and pre/post award presentations. Additionally, the guidelines prohibit the use of shorts and slippers during these events, ensuring a polished and professional look.
During the recent ICC T20 World Cup, former Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasaranga strolled onto the field for the toss without tucking in his shirt for the game against South Africa–with no respect to the traditions of the gentleman’s game. He was involved in altercations with umpires twice this year and his aggressive on-field conduct attracted much public criticism. This forced him to step down from the leadership before being axed.
To further emphasise discipline, the use of third-party sponsor or manufacturer logos on caps during travel is banned. Players and support staff are also required to use SLC-provided material bags and backpacks during team travel. These regulations extend to the use of sports shoes during travel from the hotel to match venues and practice sessions, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a professional appearance at all times.
Social media and press conferences
The guidelines restrict social media use, video games, late-night movies and similar activities during the tour to maintain focus and professionalism. Players and support staff are prohibited from addressing, posting, commenting, or giving interviews on social media platforms without the written consent of the CEO of SLC.
Press conferences must be attended by the player or support staff nominated by the manager, and attendees must wear the playing kit with shirts tucked in and sports shoes with socks. Personal caps are not permitted during press conferences, ensuring a uniform and professional appearance.
Player manager guidelines
The presence of player managers in team hotels has frequently occurred in recent months. Certain player managers were seen in team hotels during last year’s 50-over World Cup in India and reports suggest that they have travelled to USA during the recent T20 World Cup, closely engaging with players and the support staff.
However, the new guidelines say that players and support staff are not allowed to meet with their player managers for the entire duration of the tour and while travelling. Additionally, they are not permitted to invite player managers to team gatherings.
Tour itinerary and accommodation
The guidelines stipulate that the tour itinerary, prepared by the manager, will be provided to players two weeks prior to the commencement of the tournament. Any changes to the itinerary must be accepted unconditionally, with players and support staff adhering to the manager’s decisions without influence. Phone usage is prohibited during match days and training times, and players must adhere to curfew times set by the manager to ensure adequate rest and preparation for matches.
Accommodation is another crucial aspect covered in the guidelines. Players and support staff will be provided with 4 or 5-star hotel accommodation on a single-room, bed-and-breakfast basis. Special provisions are made for the manager, captain, and head coach, who will receive suites if available.
Per diem and baggage allowance
The guidelines provide a detailed breakdown of allowances for players and support staff during tours. An allowance of USD 150 per day is provided for outbound tours and USD 100 per day for inbound tours. This allowance is intended to cover food and drinks (non-alcoholic) for lunch and dinner, with a strict prohibition on deliberately avoiding meals to save the per diem.
For baggage, a generous allowance of 80kg is provided for outbound tours, with the possibility of an additional 20kg subject to the manager’s approval. This allowance is strictly for tour-related items and does not extend to personal belongings unrelated to the tour. These provisions ensure that players have everything they need for a successful tour while maintaining a focus on team-related requirements.
Air travel and tour schedule
The guidelines also cover air travel arrangements, ensuring that the most economical and convenient routes are selected by the head of international cricket in consultation with the manager and, if necessary, the head coach. Players and support staff must travel together unless exceptional reasons are approved by SLC, with business class travel provided as per the contract.
The daily practice schedule will be decided by the manager, coach, and captain, and must be adhered to without deviation. Non-adherence to the manager’s directions can result in an immediate return to Sri Lanka, underscoring the importance of following the established schedule and maintaining team unity.
Player accompanying family and selection
For outbound tours exceeding 20 days, players can accompany their spouse and children over 5 years for up to 12 days during the latter part of the tour. The guidelines emphasise that no partners, siblings, parents, or other persons are permitted, and all additional costs for the spouse and children must be borne by the player.
Selection of the team while on tour is the responsibility of the coach, captain, consultant, and selector on tour, with the manager having the casting vote in the event of a tie. This provision ensures a balanced and fair selection process, maintaining the integrity of team composition.
Team catering schedule
The guidelines provide a detailed catering schedule for the national team during games played in Sri Lanka, with specific timings for meals and snacks during Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) games. For matches played outside Sri Lanka, catering facilities will be provided as per the arrangements made by the host country. These provisions ensure that players have access to nutritious meals, approved by the nutritionist, to maintain their physical and mental well-being during tours.
Penalties for violations
To enforce these guidelines, SLC has established penalties for violations. Players and support staff may be fined up to USD 10,000 for singular violations, and serious breaches or misconduct can result in immediate return to Sri Lanka or removal from the squad for home tours. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the guidelines and maintaining the high standards expected of the Sri Lanka national cricket squad and support staff.