It has been reported that there are allegations of external influence on the newly appointed selection committee during the one-day series against Zimbabwe
The committee, chaired by Upul Tharanga and appointed by Sports Minister Harin Fernando, is accused of succumbing to external pressures.
According to reports, the selection committee initially decided not to include former captain Dasun Shanaka in the first match of the ODI series. However, he was added to the team at the last minute allegedly due to the influence of a former sports minister currently in the opposition.
Shanaka, despite a lackluster performance in the first match, was retained for the second match under reported external pressure. Following another unimpressive performance, he was dropped from the team for the third match. Vanidu Hasaranga, initially excluded from the first match, was added to the team for the second match, only to be removed on the match day, causing frustration.
It is claimed that external consultants have exerted influence above the selection committee in these decisions. Despite the reported influence, Vanidu Hasaranga went on to become the hero of the final match, taking seven wickets.
