Chandika Hathurusingha, the high profile coach of Sri Lanka, has said that he has not been given a reason for his removal from the team’s selection panel.
Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), on January 30, announced the move before the second Test after a disastrous innings and 40-run loss to Australia inside three days at the Gabba.
But Hathurusingha is still yet to hear an official explanation about why his position has been diminished.
“I was not given any reason … it’s a bit out of my control at the moment,” he told reporters on Saturday.
“After this tour, I’ll probably have a chance to speak to the authorities.
“There’s not much communication (back to Sri Lanka) so I can’t give you much but, once I finish this series, I’ll probably be in a better position to answer that.”
The decision came in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s poor performance in their recently concluded series against India, England and New Zealand. Sri Lanka have already lost the first of their current two-match Test series against Australia. The team have not won a Test since defeating South Africa at home 2-0 in July, losing to England, New Zealand and Australia after that memorable series victory.
Recently, Hathurusingha engaged in an ugly fight with Hemantha Wickramaratne, the selector on tour, when he tried to be involved in the selection process before the first test. However, , who becomes a selector on tour as per former SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala modified constitution, bluntly told Wickramaratne that he has the authority to pick playing eleven, so he doesn’t need anyone suggestion.
“This decision was taken under the instructions of the Ministry of Sports in consideration of the need to form an effective and transparent selection mechanism; whilst the team is on tour. The directive will come into force with immediate effect,” the statement added.
