Ranatunga says Lanka heading for World Cup disaster

Sri Lanka cricket legend Arjuna Ranatunga predicted Friday that the country would fall short at this year’s World Cup because of corruption by officials and player indiscipline.

Ranatunga, who captained the side that won the 1996 World Cup, doubted that Sri Lanka would even get past the first round of the tournament that begins in England on May 30.

“There is corruption at the board. Players are demoralised. Players are fighting with each other,” said the 55-year-old.

Ranatunga, who is currently Sri Lanka’s transport minister, is preparing a new bid to take charge of Sri Lanka Cricket.

“We have to improve player discipline,” Ranatunga said amid social media squabbling between T20 captain Lasith Malinga and stand-in captain Tissara Perera.

Sri Lanka Cricket has warned both players to quit the personal attacks but the outbursts continue.

“There are some players who are not playing for the country but for their own personal gain,” Ranatunga said, without naming alleged culprits. “They will be kicked out.” The crisis-ridden governing body is expected to hold elections this month after a nine-month delay following the end of president Thilanga Sumathipala’s term last May.