Ground staff in Sri Lanka told to strip off trousers over payment; video

Hambantota: Sri Lankan cricket witnessed on of the biggest upsets recently, after the Zimbabwe cricket team claimed their first series win over the Islanders. Not only this, but it was also the first overseas win in eight years for the African nation.

Just after the match, another incident by the Hambantota stadium authorities has caused a stir on social media. The ground staff at the stadium was forced to leave the venue early in their underpants after the officials ordered that payment would not be made if the pants were not handed back.

As per the officials, the pants worn by the ground staff was exclusive to the workers in the stadium and wasn’t meant to be worn by the ground staff. The reason being the Hambantota stadium was virtually shut down for two years and there was no ground staff during the period.

Sri Lankan politician Namal Rajapaksha posted a video on Twitter of the incident.

The video was also shared by former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena.

The Sri Lankan cricket board issued an apology later and ensured strict action against those involved. "Whilst stern action will be taken against those responsible, Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to apologise to those subjected to this ignominy, and will take steps to ensure they are compensated," the board said in a statement.

Sri Lankan cricket is in dire straits at the moment after their embarrassing loss to Zimbabwe. Captain Angelo Mathews has also stepped down as captain, while selector Sanath Jayasuriya has been making headlines for the wrong reasons.