NZC monitoring Sri Lankan situation, again

Lynn McConnell

July 20, 2001

Given New Zealand's history during unrest in Sri Lanka, it is little wonder that yesterday's anti-Government demonstrations have raised concerns here.

In 1987, New Zealand's three-Test series tour of Sri Lanka was called off after a bomb blast in Colombo's central railway station at the end of the first Test.

In 1993, a bomb blast during a political assassination outside the team's waterfront hotel saw several members of the side return home, a reduction from three Tests to two and the call-up of unprepared players from New Zealand to take part.

New Zealand Cricket's general manager Tim Murdoch said NZC was monitoring the situation and would be in touch with the New Zealand side later today for reassurances about the players' safety.

"Manager Jeff Crowe has not communicated any concerns to New Zealand Cricket and the team is no doubt focusing on its match against India tonight.

"As soon as practical we will communicate with Jeff Crowe for an update of the security situation but we were encouraged by [captain] Stephen Fleming's comments on radio this morning that the team felt 'perfectly safe.'

"We also understand from media reports that the team may move out of Colombo after tonight's match as they have a scheduled four day break before their next game against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. We hope to confirm this with team management later today," he said.

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