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Arjuna Ranatunga (Image source- BCCI/IPL)
Sri Lanka has been going through an economic crisis post the Covid-19 Pandemic. The people have been struggling with food and fuel scarcity since the pandemic. Former Sri Lankan cricketer, and the World Cup-winning captain, Arjuna Ranatunga has now urged players to leave their jobs for a while and join the ongoing protests.
Ranatunga explained that people are afraid to speak up against the government. He said that the cricketers are working for the boards under the ministry and are afraid to lose their jobs in this situation. He also urged the Sri Lankan players in the Indian T20 League to join the players to join the protest.
"I really don't know but there are some cricketers who are lavishly playing in the IPL and haven't spoken about their country. Unfortunately, people refrain to speak against the government. These cricketers are also working for the cricket board under the ministry and they are trying to protect their jobs. But now they have to take a step as some of the young cricketers also came forward and gave statements in support of the protest," NDTV Sports quoted Ranatunga saying.
"I am sure you all know who are the players, playing in the IPL. I don't want to mention but I would want them to leave their job for a week and come in support of the protests," he added.
Ranatunga on taking a part in the protests
The former cricketer turned politician, Ranatunga also explained why he did not join the protests. He said that none of the political parties has gotten involved in the protests.
"When something is going wrong, you should have the guts to come out and speak against it, without thinking about your business. People ask me why I am not in the protests. It's just that I have been into politics for the last 19 years and this is not a political issue. So far, none of the political parties and politicians have got into the protests and that's the biggest strength of the people of this country," he said.
Notably, Sri Lankan players such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have already spoken out in favour of the ongoing protests amidst the economic crisis.