The 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and Australia is underway at the Galle international stadium. It is the last match of the all-format series that began a month back on June 7th.
In the past month, cricket has been the perfect distraction for Sri Lanka amidst turmoil and crisis in the country. However, a particular section of natives used cricket to express their displeasure with the government of Sri Lanka. Hence the security officials were forced to take the necessary steps.
The beauty of the Galle stadium is that it’s adjacent to the famous Galle fort. Thus, a group or crowd is usually present at the fort whenever a match happens at the Galle stadium.
However, some anti-government protesters marched to the fort during the first Test. They raised slogans and held placards criticising the government. Later, the security officials removed the anti-protestors from the location, citing they were a distraction for the batters.
Hence, spectators were prohibited from the Galle Fort for the 2nd Test match due to their theatrics in the first match.
International Cricket Council (ICC) had asked to keep spectators away from the region. Hence no one is allowed in the fort during the match. Police officials now guard the area.
Although it is worth mentioning that Australian cricketers had no complaints about the crowd being present at the fort.