COLOMBO - Sri Lanka's cricket authorities announced a ban on alcohol during Wednesday's fourth one-day international between Pakistan and the hosts following a drunken riot at the venue on Sunday.
Sri Lankan Cricket Board decided to tighten security measures for the fourth One Day International match of the five match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka after Sunday night's clash during the third ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Sri Lanka Cricket said unruly behaviour will be dealt with severely as a response to crowd unrest that held up play for 30 minutes at the Premadasa stadium, delaying Pakistan's victory to lead the five-match series 2-1. Items banned according to a cricket board statement include hooters, liquor, glass bottles, sharp objects, lighters and boxes of matches. "Any unruly behaviour by any spectator will be severely dealt with and may even be subject to eviction from the grounds," the statement added.
Police acted swiftly and cleared two blocks of stands at the Premadasa stadium during a match played under lights after a drunken brawl led to pelting of stones into the outer field that threatened the safety of the players. However, the authorities decided to hold the fourth ODI at the same venue in Colombo after the authorities arrested four suspects and stepped up security in the area. No players were hurt on Sunday but Sri Lanka's sporting image suffered a blow with the local media blaming the authorities for not taking action to prevent the unprecedented clashes. A dozen vehicles were damaged and several bystanders were also hurt. However, Pakistan players and supporters declined to blame Sri Lankan authorities and fans at large for the disturbance, instead pointing the finger at a small group of spectators. But the former Sri Lankan players including recently retired Mahela Jayawardene had been indignant and showed their concern for the tight security and improved behavior from the spectators.