Sri Lanka Sports Minister Faizer Mustapha has reserved 2000 seats for school Children’s for the one-off T20I match against South Africa to be played at R. Premadasa on Tuesday.
According to sources, Faizer has blocked these 2000 tickets from the 300 RS stands for all children’s, who will come in school uniform and provide student ID.
Not only this, he has also taken the responsibility of the transportation for all the children’s. however, Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) Will have to bear the cost of the transportation as well, worth 3 million rupees.
“Faizer is using SLC as a platform for his political campaign. As a Sports Minister, taking 100 or 200 complimentary tickets is a normal thing. However taking 2000 tickets for a T20 match is unbelievable” a former SLC President told Cricket Age.
By doing this ‘so called initiative’, Faizer is also going against the policy of the SLC. In past, SLC encouraged school children’s participation only for Test and Day ODI Matches, Considering the safety issue!
“Best thing For school children’s is to watch test match. SLC always prefers test matches for School children’s, as the longest format gives them a chance to understand the basics of the game” he added.
“However, inviting Children’s for a t20 match that will be played till 11 PM, is unbelievable. Who will take the responsibility of their safety. In past, SLC never encouraged this thing” he added further.
It is also noteworthy that SLC issued a statement on yesterday, stating that all the 300 RS tickets have been sold out and no more tickets are available for spectators.
“Kindly note that tickets for the T20I between Sri Lanka and South Africa to be played tomorrow at the RPICS, Colombo (14th August, 2018) are available as given below, as the once in the price range of Rs. 300, 1000 and 1500 have been sold out. Whilst no more online selling takes place.
Available Tickets – Grand Stand – Rs. 5000,Corporate Box – Rs. 7500. A upper and B Upper – Rs. 2500” SLC Media release reads.
