Sri Lanka uneasy with West Indies row

The Sri Lankan board (SLC) has revealed its unease with the growing crisis over West Indies' squad.

The two-Test series is due to start on July 13, with the side arriving early next week. But so far, only five players are thought to have signed the West Indies' board's match/tour contracts, with the remainder locked in a dispute between the players' association and the board.

""We would obviously be very disappointed if the West Indies were unable to send a full-strength side," Adel Hassim, an SLC board member, told Reuters. "The likes of Brian Lara and the other West Indies players are a huge attraction amongst the cricket-loving public in Sri Lanka and we all want to see the full team here."

The financial ramifications of a weak West Indies side are a major concern to the Sri Lankans. Were West Indies to scrap the whole trip, then they would have to pay around US$2 million compensation to SLC. But as long as they fulfill their obligation to send the strongest side available to them, then there would be no comeback for the Sri Lankans.

SLC are expected to meet to discuss the problem further. "We are watching the situation very closely," Hasim said. "The interim committee will discuss the issue at its meeting later this week, but we hope that an amicable solution is reached."