New experience playing in bio-bubble - Shashikala Siriwardene
Former Sri Lanka women’s captain Shashikala Siriwardene says she is looking forward to playing under Harmenpreet Kaur in the Indian Women’s T20 Challenge tournament which starts on November 4 in the UAE.
Both of Sri Lanka’s players at this tournament, Siriwardene and Chamari Atapattu are in the same team, the Supernovas, led by Kaur.
“Harman is a brilliant player and we have been playing each other in many matches but this time we are in the same team and will be sharing the same dressing room with her. Chamari will be with me in last year’s champion team and I will do my best to perform,” Siriwardene said.
“Yes, it is a difficult lockdown situation but I knew about my likely inclusion in the team and was mentally prepared. I kept in touch with the other players”.
“During the lockdown, I tried hard to keep myself fit. Though I have retired from international cricket, our national team physio, trainer and also my husband as a coach have always been helpful to keep me fit and motivated. I used to train at my Navy club, where with all limited resources I could use the best ground facilities,” she further added.
“It will be a new experience to play with all under bio-bubble. But at least now we are getting a chance to play the game”.
Playing on grounds without spectators will not be a big issue.
“I have been in cricket since 2003 and have seen very few spectators coming to watch women’s cricket. In the recent past only we started having spectators. We have been watching the players adjust to play the IPL and therefore I don’t think it should matter a lot”, she further added.
Both players will need government permission to leave for the UAE and will give two PCR tests before they board a flight. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Sport Ministry will facilitate their journey.