Or A DOSSIER OF DISCONTENT - England's Tour of Sri Lanka 2018 - Barmy Army
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England’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2018
A DOSSIER OF DISCONTENT
or
‘The great Sri Lankan Ticket Rip Off’
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................ 3
WHY ENGLISH CRICKET SUPPORTERS GO TO SRI LANKA ..........4-6
TICKET PRICING 2001 - 2007 ......................................................... 7-8
TICKET PRICING FURORE 2012 ................................................... 9-10
2018 TOUR ................................................................................... 11-12
BARMY ARMY CAMPAIGN .......................................................... 13-16
ADDITIONAL ACTION.................................................................. 17-18
THE CHARITY ANGLE ..................................................................... 19
CONCLUDING STATEMENT .............................................................20
APPENDICES A – F .......................................................................... 21
2
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to draw attention to the situation that has
arisen following the Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s (SLC) decision to outsource
sales of seated tickets for England’s winter tour in late 2018. This specifically
concerns the Test Matches due to be played at Galle, Kandy and Colombo in
November.
The intention is to highlight how the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has in
recent years begun to regard travelling English Cricket Supporters as a ‘cash
cow’ and as a result with contempt and a lack of respect which some even feel
borders on racism.
The comments included in this ‘Dossier of Discontent’ will hopefully persuade
those in authority in SLC to seek a solution to the situation that is acceptable
to all and thus prevent future damage to future tours in particular and Sri
Lankan Tourist Industry in general.
The following pages contain evidence of the anger and disappointment felt by
travelling England Supporters in the form of email, social media comment and
comments recorded against the change.org petition started in reaction to the
decision.
Whilst we in the Barmy Army do not claim speak for all, the groundswell of
opinion and fall out from SLC’s decision has come from all sections - including
members of the wider cricketing community who would normally baulk at the
thought of being associated with our organisation.
3
Why English Cricket Supporters go to Sri Lanka
Whilst it has always been a British trait to support their national sports teams
playing abroad, it is only in the last 25 years that numbers have risen globally
and exponentially. Clearly the most popular destinations have been Australia
and the Caribbean but since the turn of the millennium, tours to South Asian
countries have attracted much greater numbers.
One of the main attractions to touring these destinations is the value for
money one can obtain. Thus tourists who would not normally be able to afford
to tour the more expensive destinations are able to come and support the
England Cricket team. In tandem with the main purpose of any cricket tour is
the opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultures, cuisines and
surroundings. It certainly isn’t just about drinking beer and singing songs!
Apart from the obvious pull of a financial saving, Sri Lanka has long held sway
over the other South Asian test playing countries. It is already a popular
holiday destination, is known for the friendly and welcoming nature of it’s
people and most relevant of all, it’s love of cricket. Over the years word of
mouth has been the main driver to raising the numbers of travelling
supporters from less than 1,000 to up to as many as 6,000.
4
Why English Cricket Supporters go to Sri Lanka (cont..)
There is also no doubt that a combination of the rising numbers and the
improved TV Coverage has resulted in the Galle Test Match becoming a
‘bucket list’ Test match destination, up there with the MCG, Cape Town and
Kensington Oval. Any cricket supporter that has seen the panoramic view of
Galle Stadium with the backdrop of the 16th Century Dutch Fort and the
sparkling blue Indian Ocean will surely have immediately harboured a desire
to make the trip.
Whilst Galle is the most obvious draw, those who have been to Sri Lanka will
also speak fondly of Kandy City and the former Test venue Asgiriya Stadium,
surely the only Test Match ground that also a school cricket ground.
English supporters will wax lyrical about their adventures in Sri Lanka.
Whether it’s racing around in tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws); enjoying
gorgeous beach sunsets; feasting on delicious curries and sublime sea food
washed down with the very palatable local Lion beer; ending the night with a
shot of Arrack or two you’d be hard pressed to find many that don’t enjoy this
wonderful country.
It’s not just about Cricket, either. Wherever possible, within the confines of
the Test match schedule, visiting English supporters will visit the Pinnawala
Elephant Orphanage, Tea Plantations, the Temple of the Tooth, Adam’s Peak,
Sigiriya or any one of the many World Heritage Sites dotted around the island.
Some may extend their trip and head down to Yala National Park to see wild
elephants and leopards.
5
Why English Cricket Supporters go to Sri Lanka (cont..)
There are negatives: the voracious mosquitos; the fact that it takes an age to
get from A to B on the roads; the frankly awful toilet facilities in the cricket
grounds and very questionable Health and Safety standards. However none of
this really detracts from the overall experience (this ticketing issue apart)
which is overwhelmingly positive and one of the prime reasons that the Barmy
Army have not suggested a boycott.
6
Ticket pricing 2001 - 2007
In 2001 England played their first ‘proper’ overseas Test Series versus Sri
Lanka beginning at Galle. The only seated area was within the pavilion and a
football style stand that is curiously situated at an angle some distance from
the action. The rest of the ground consisted of grass banks.
Whilst there was a small representation present from Organised Tour
companies such as Gulliver’s Sports Travels and Sport Abroad the majority of
attendees were independent English supporters that chose sit on the grass
banks. Entrance ticket cost was 20 LKR a day (a mere 16p at that time). To sit
in the football style stand cost 200 LKR (£1.60). We have no information on
the cost of sitting in the old pavilion but 1,000 LKR (£8.21) is a likely amount.
It is estimated that were some 700-1000 England Supporters in attendance
for this fixture.
These numbers increased slightly in the succeeding two Test matches in
Kandy and Colombo with numbers at the last match being inflated due to the
presence of expats both local and flying in from around Asia. Not to mention
that England were about to win a second successive away Test Series, which
doesn’t happen that often!
Our research shows us that the most expensive tickets across the 2001 series
were 1,250 LKR (£10.26) per day.
7
Ticket pricing 2001 – 2007 (cont..)
In 2003 England returned to play a three Test Series. The author of this
report was in attendance for the entire 5 Days and remembers well boasting to
friends that entrance to the entire Test match cost less than £1 - so prices had
hardly risen since 2001. Numbers of English tourists had risen to between 2.5
and 3K. Tickets in the Grand Stand at Galle cost 750 LKR a day (£4.46).
In 2007 prices rose but not significantly with grassed bank areas now costing
100 LKR (£3.29) at the Kandy Test with decent seated tickets now costing
1000 LKR (£4.49). Sri Lanka continued to enhance it’s reputation as a
cricketing destination with attendances now rising to 4K plus.
8
Ticket Pricing Furore 2012
The 2012 series represented a watershed as SLC woke up and smelt the
coffee. Here were many thousands of English Cricket supporters (estimates as
high as 8K) descending on the island just to watch cricket. The decision was
taken both to raise the minimum seated ticket price to 5000 LKR (24.18) and
to the astonishment of those who consider themselves ‘Budget Travellers’
entry to the grass banks ticket price 300 LKR (£1.45) was denied to all but
locals.
Experienced tourists attempted to usurp this policy by using their tuk-tuk
drivers and other locals to buy tickets on their behalf. This then led to
unsavoury scenes when English supporters were ejected unceremoniously
from the ground and told to purchase the 5000 LKR tickets if they wanted to
return. Unscrupulous tourists (unfortunately England cricket’s following has
it’s fair share) then took advantage of the generally poor levels of security and
gained access to the seated area using their ‘illicitly’ obtained 300 LKR tickets.
Others using a combination of bribery and subterfuge simply ‘blagged’ their
way into the ground without paying any entrance fee at all!
There was an attempt to boycott the match via the Dutch Fort overlooking the
ground that also offers an excellent vantage point to view proceedings. Several
hundred supporters heading for the ramparts closely followed by numerous
enterprising locals offering beer and food for sale. These actions caused more
problems when it was found that there were few litter receptacles. The story of
the resulting mess made the local press and Giles Clark, the then ECB
Chairman, vowed his organisation would pay for the clean up. One wondered
whether he was even made aware why so many fans were up on the Fort
rather than in ground.
9
Ticket Pricing Furore 2012 (cont..)
The ‘two tier’ pricing system made the English national press. The negative
comment forced the then SLC President Mr Upali Dharmadasa to declare
that everyone would have to pay 5,000 LKR to gain entry. This resulted
in the locals staying away and missing the opportunity of watching their
heroes record a 75 run victory and go one up in the series.
Up on the Fort an attempt was made to try and charge English Fans
entry causing another unnecessary kerfuffle.
There was little doubt that no one who attended that match felt £25 was
a fair entry price. The facilities afforded by the ground are poor at best.
Toilet are single Portaloos which don’t appear to be serviced throughout
the match and there is little or no food on offer, although there are
numerous ice cream vendors on bicycles with THE most annoying
chimes ever! Apart from the seated areas as previously described, the
temporary ‘stands’ erected on the grass banks largely consisted of flimsy
plastic garden chairs with a tarpaulin stretched above. Conditions
behind the stands are treacherous underfoot especially if rain falls.
102018 Tour
Despite the events of 2012, we were aware that though disgruntled by
the attitude of Sri Lankan Cricket, travelling fans had largely positive
experiences and many that attended would seriously be considering a
return.
We felt that there were many lessons to be learned from the events of
2012 and came up with a proposal that would enable SLC to charge
English Supporters more than the locals.
Whilst we accept we do not speak for all travelling fans we certainly feel
we have their interests at heart - particularly those that travel
independently. We have touring experience going back the best part of
25 years to the point where we have developed strong working
relationships with overseas cricket boards such as Cricket South Africa,
Cricket Australia and Cricket West Indies so feel we have plenty to offer
in terms of consultation and planning of popular tours.
In late April we wrote to SLC President Mr Thilanga Sumathipala
expressing a desire to assist and thereby avoid the negativity that
surrounded the 2012 tour.
112018 Tour (cont..)
Many argue that it is patently unfair to charge tourists more than locals.
However we are acutely aware, not just from our tours to Sri Lanka but
also to India and Bangladesh, of the huge differential between the
wealth of our respective nations and related earnings. For that reason
we are prepared to accept a reasonable differential. We therefore in our
correspondence suggested creating England Fan Zones (which would
enable a higher pricing structure) amongst other constructive
comments.
The email exchanges are appended at the rear of this document. To
summarise the response we received it appears that Sri Lanka Cricket
had hastily signed an exclusive ‘Hospitality Partner’ deal with a Sri
Lanka company - Island Leisure Lanka (Pvt) Limited - effectively
signing over ALL seated areas within the Test venues over to them.
Island Leisure have since decreed that each seat has effectively become
subject to a ‘hospitality package’. The basic package will bundle a match
ticket with ‘value additions’ of drinks vouchers and an item of tour
specific merchandise. The pricing structure (see appendix) is now well
known but the tickets start at $65 USD a day (£51) provided all 5 days
are purchased.
Island Leisure have no online portal for ticket sales and supporters
willing and wishing to purchase from Island Leisure will be liable for
Bank Charges at both ends with Island Leisure imposing a hefty $25
USD (£19.35) to handle each transaction on top of whatever charges
UK Banks will impose (in the region of £10 on average we believe).
All in all a very unsatisfactory situation and unprecedented in the
cricket world.
12The Barmy Army Campaign
After being effectively ‘flat batted’ by SLC we made contact with
Chandana Amaradasa, MD of Island Leisure. We outlined our concerns
about exorbitant seated ticket prices, pointing out that the vast majority
of England supporters do not want ‘hospitality’ - they simply want a
seat. We pleaded with him to strip out the ‘value additions’ and simply
sell seated tickets. He flatly refused and justified his actions claiming he
wasn’t doing anything unusual when in fact he was doing just that.
We expressed our concerns about the lack of an online portal. Mr
Amaradasa’s response was to dismiss such extra incurred expense as
“no more than the price of a coffee in London”.
The only positive step forward from this conversation was that it
appears that SLC have reversed it’s decision to charge full price for Day
5 and entry will be now complimentary presumably for supporters that
have purchased Days 1 - 4. We have yet to receive official clarification
but if correct this, at least, is a step in the right direction.
All further attempts at direct communication with SLC have proved
futile. On 23 May we published an article on our web site
barmyarmy.com outlining our findings and attempts to get a fair deal
from SLC. This provoked a strong reaction on social media, particularly
Twitter and Facebook (see appendix) with the vast majority attacking
the SLC for their decision. Many expressed a view that they simply
wouldn’t travel to Sri Lanka, others said they would watch proceedings
from their resort hotels.
13The Barmy Army Campaign (cont..)
We have since followed up our article with a petition calling on a rethink
from SLC. To date this has attracted close on 3.5K signatures. A sample
of comments recorded by petitioners show a groundswell of anger and
resentment towards SLC which we feel should not be ignored in terms
of the potential damage this could do to future tour income, income
from general tourism and the image of the Country as a whole.
On 28 May an article appeared in the Sri Lankan Sunday Times Online
edition which seemed to suggest that SLC had limited the ‘Hospitality
Partner’ deal with Island Leisure to 4,000 tickets and that tickets priced
from 300 to 5000 LKR would be made available to all.
This directly contradicts what Mr Amadarasa told us, which was that he
had control of ALL seated tickets in ALL venues.
We again wrote to SLC to seek confirmation that seated tickets, without
recourse to Island Leisure, will be made available to travelling
supporters either via an online agency or purchase at the stadiums or
other outlets.
There has been no response to date to this reasonable request though
there have been some confusing reports in the media.
14To rub salt in the wounds South Africa began their tour of Sri Lanka and
tickets were put on sale online by SLC. It transpired that that the most
EXPENSIVE Seated ticket at the Galle Test would cost the equivalent of
less than £2.50.
Respected cricket blogger Daniel ‘Scorer’ Byrne travelled to Sri Lanka to
watch this series. With his permission here is an extract from his series
preview article:
I bought my tickets on-line two weeks in advance via
“bookmyshow.com” which now has an international department
covering events outside of India. I paid 500 Sri Lankan Rupees a day for
tickets in the permanent stand in Galle where there is a bar and
restaurant and comfortable seating in the shade. The travelling
England fans will not get access to this area for the Test in November
even if they are prepared to pay thirty times the cost of my ticket. In
Colombo my seats cost 750 Rupees a day for the only stand with
guaranteed shade. There are currently 215 Sri Lankan Rupees to the
UK pound. I will be watching from square leg for both the games which
perhaps isn’t ideal, but the only ground in Sri Lanka where you can
guarantee being able to watch from behind the bowler’s arm is the new
stadium located at Pallekelle, just outside Kandy.
15The England supporters are being forced to buy packages amounting
to £250 per Test in an extraordinary and blatant form of
discriminatory ticket pricing. I used to think Buddhism was an
enlightened alternative to some of the more conservative forms of
religion until I first came to Sri Lanka and discovered it was just
another form of unregulated capitalism. Incidentally the last time New
Zealand played a Test Series in Sri Lanka they let travelling supporters
in to all the Tests for free.
To make matter worse towards the conclusion of the series in Colombo
SLC’s official Twitter Feed even announced free entry to parts to the
SSC.
The debate on Facebook also provoked a strong response. This is the
vitriolic response from an experienced cricket tourist, Pat McCarthy, to
a post suggesting £50 was a reasonable price to pay in comparison to
current English ticket prices:
Julie S****** you haven't got a clue have you? What do you think you
get for your £50 a ticket ? A nice seat in a shaded stand? Food facilities?
Use of a toilet when you need to go? A bar? Let me explain to you what
you might get if you are lucky: a dodgy rotten plastic chair and if its
under 5 years old you are on to a winner. Don't expect any elevation to
help your view. The flimsy tarpaulin above your head might keep out a
bit of sun if you’re lucky - but take your own umbrella for when it rains,
as the downpours in Sri Lanka don't mess about. If you fancy some food
take a tip from me , bring your own from your hotel - because you will
find next to nothing in the grounds. Good luck if you fancy a beer too .
Now when it comes to the toilet facilities in Sri Lankan grounds they
have taken it to new levels of unhygienic status. You will be lucky to
find anything to squat over, assuming that you don't mind squatting in
squalor. Luckily I'm a bloke and can take a slash at the side of the road
with the locals- but if I was you (in Galle) I would take my chances in
the Sydney Hotel .
So please tell me again why I should pay £50 for the pleasure?
16Additional Action
In addition to our public campaign and communications with SLC we
reached out to the following:
Sri Lankan High Commission (London)
• We emailed and telephoned the but received no response.
Sri Lanka Tourism (London)
• They await this document (Nalin Perera)
Sri Lanka Cricket Competent Authority (Columbo)
• We were made aware by an Indian journalist that a so called
‘competent authority’ had been brought in by the Sri Lankan
Government toi run SLC due to some financial irregularities. We
contacted H.T. Kamal Pathmasiri by email but received no
response.
British High Commission (Colombo)
• We are in communication with Mr Phillipe Dickinson and are
aware of a high level meeting with SLC that has sadly not yielded
any positive results. They await this document.
Mr Ranil Jayawardena MP for Hamphire North East
• Mr Jayawardena is a British MP of Sri Lankan heritage. We have
exchanged emails with his office manager Ms Clemency Huggins
and understand that he has raised the matter privately with the
Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe. We intend to provide him with a
copy of this document.
International Cricket Council (ICC)
• We have raised the matter with our contacts with the ICC in
particular with the suggestion that the imposition of a two tier
price policy could be construed as being racist – in contravention
of their own Code of Conduct. However the ICC regard Ticketing
Policy as a matter for individual boards and will not intervene.
17England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
• Whilst we have not attempted direct contact with the ECB we
understand that Mr Tom Harrison, CEO has raised the our
concerns on behalf of all travelling England team supporters. To
date we don’t believe anything positive has yet to result. We
intend to provide him with a copy of this document.
18The Charity Angle
We include this subject as many have expressed their disappointment at
the actions of SLC against the backdrop of on-going charitable
generosity towards Sri Lanka, particularly after the Tsunami of 2004.
On Boxing Day in 2004 the England cricket team were touring South
Africa when news of this disaster broke. The Barmy Army were, as
usual, present in large numbers. A collection was quickly organised and
over £10,000 was raised for immediate disaster relief.
We subsequently established a strong relationship with a charity formed
in response to the disaster. Their Future Today, a UK based charity
devoted to helping children has been the beneficiary for all subsequent
tours and are set to be the nominated Charity for the tour in 2018.
Rather than us patting ourselves on the back we’ve asked Lynn Stanier,
founder to outline how English Cricket Supporters have contributed to
alleviating some of the dreadful situations experienced by children in Sri
Lanka:
There is a huge disparity between the rich and poor in Sri Lanka, and we are
hugely grateful to England’s Barmy Army supporters for continuing to support
Their Future Today and our aims to reunite children abandoned in orphanages
with families, and improve the lives of institutionalised and disadvantaged
children, particularly in the midst of the disappointments after actions taken by
SLC.
The generosity of Barmy Army supporters over the years have helped us
significantly to provide education and skills training for 3000 disadvantaged
children per year who are living below the poverty line, without clean water,
electricity or sanitation. With funds raised in 2012, we also built a small ‘Barmy
Army’ house to reunite three abandoned children with their homeless and widowed
mother, changing their lives for the better forever.
Shantakumara, now 17 years old is so grateful for his home and the opportunity to
go to school, and now works in a shoe factory to support his mother and siblings.
Together we can create many more happy endings and supporters are very
welcome to visit our projects if interested.
19Concluding Statement
At no point have we in the Barmy Army endorsed a boycott of this tour
though we feel there sufficient grounds for doing this. Indeed as the
appended comments will show there are many that feel strongly enough
to voice this sentiment. We, as an organisation, would rather attempt a
reasoned dialogue with the decision makers and despite the bad taste in
the mouth left by this rank corporate greed we still want to attend and
show our support for the England Cricket team. We retain a deep
affection for Sri Lanka and it’s people, many of which have echoed our
own discontent at the current situation.
We grudgingly accept and understand that organised Tour Companies
(which includes Barmy Travel - which we hold a 50% stake in) have had
no choice but to deal with Island Leisure Lanka to ensure their clients
are guaranteed advance tickets. However we continue to take issue with
ticket prices that are unreasonable and far from commensurate with the
stadium facilities that are provided when compared with other
destinations, including such ‘Third World’ countries such as India.
To call a seated ticket bundled with so called ‘value additions’ of drinks
vouchers and an item of unwanted merchandise a ‘Hospitality Package”
is frankly ludicrous and unprecedented across the cricket world.
Especially when in Galle the seat will be a flimsy plastic garden chair on
an uneven surface beneath a makeshift tarpaulin roof.
We call upon Sri Lanka Cricket to make reasonably priced
seated tickets available for independent travelling supporters
from their established online ticket agent partners
bookmyshow.com free from unnecessary bank charges and
bureaucracy.
It is our opinion that SLC are putting a sheer profit above the reputation
of it’s Country and people and will do irreparable damage to future
touring in terms of numbers and untold damage to the Sri Lanka
Tourism industry.
It’s not too late SLC. Please think again.
The Barmy Army Team
September 2018
20Appendices
Section A
Correspondence from Island Leisure Lanka
Section B
Ticket/Hospitality Information from Island Leisure Lanka
Section C
Emails between Barmy Army and SLC
Section D
Emails received in response to Barmy Army website article
Section E
Social Media Backlash
Section F
Petition comments
21Section A
Correspondence from
Island Leisure Lanka
(Pvt) LimitedSection B
Ticket/Hospitality Information
from
Island Leisure Lanka
(Pvt) LimitedSection C
Email correspondence
between
Barmy Army
&
Sri Lanka CricketSection D
Email correspondence
received by
Barmy ArmyEmails received in response to Barmy Army News Story
(personal data removed)
From: A Pinfield
Subject: Sri Lanka ticket prices
Date: 23 May 2018 at 22:01:36 BST
To: andy@barmyarmy.com
Andy,
Having just read the Barmy Army statement my brother and I will be contacting our travel
agent with a view to cancelling our flight and accommodation in Colombo for the
3rd test, and the money we save will be put towards a tour to the West Indies. You can
use this email in any dialogue with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board.
Regards
Alan Pinfield
Sent from my iPad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Owen Harrison
Subject: Sri Lanka
Date: 24 May 2018 at 01:48:02 BST
To: andy@barmyarmy.com
Hi Andy,
Scandalous to read about the actions of Sri Lankan Cricket authorities. I'm an expat
living in Australia, and so am planning over the next few years to attend plenty of
England fixtures away from the pleasant land of home.
The prices that have been quoted are staggering, and a great shame as Test Cricket
struggles in places like Sri Lanka. Isn't it amazing how individuals who make decisions
such as this are employed in roles so high up?
As a former MCC employee, i'm not sure if the powers that be there would be willing to
have any input into this, but i'm sure the ECB will certainly be helpful, considering the
world class support the army provide around the world for the boys.
All the best and keep up the great work,
Ozone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From: Louise Scull Subject: SL Cricket ticket prices Date: 24 May 2018 at 08:55:27 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" I’ve just read your piece on FB and, like many cricket supporters must be, am desperately disappointed. My partner and I were planning on travelling to SL this winter, but will now reconsider – at these prices, the cost of our holiday for all 3 tests would increase by more than 50%. I love Sri Lanka – I’ve visited three times before, twice for cricket – and was really looking forward to going back there. I’d even reconciled myself to the fact that ticket prices might be as high as on the last tour, but I really wasn’t expecting them to double again. Good luck in your ongoing discussions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Joe Brunwin Subject: Sri Lanka tickets Date: 24 May 2018 at 01:49:08 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Barmy Army Team Thanks you all for this extremely helpful update and for your persistent work on behalf of the England travelling supporter. I recently quit my job to go travelling around the world. Going to my first ever away England test series is right at the top of my list of experiences I would like to tick off in this year, having dreamt of joining the Barmy army since I was a child. I thought Sri Lanka would mark a perfect opportunity to do so. I had planned to meet both my brothers (who I havnt seen for a long time) for a trip of a lifetime. At the current pricing structure there is no way we would be able to attend. I am gutted at this news. Do keep up the good work. Joe
Hi andy, I have just read your email regarding the Sri Lanka tour. I am saddened by your findings but can't say I'm shocked. I am an expat living out in Colombo. Is there anything I can do to help the situation from Here? Thanks kyle Sent from my iPhone -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: kyle millward Subject: Re: Sri Lanka tour Date: 24 May 2018 at 15:24:23 BST To: andrew thompson What I've learnt from Been here is that they are very short sighted. They do not think about the positive effects that providing a good service will have in the future, like people Returning to the country if they enjoy it first time Round etc.. Social media will make a difference as they are very reactive. Also I think going down the avenue of explaining to them How this could have an adverse affect on tourism in the future. I know some Of the bigger tourist companies are starting to set up here like Thompson for example, maybe seeing if they will get on board and help Explaining how it works, asking them to add some pressure? The fact of the matter is, no one here watched test Cricket. I watched the game v India in Galle last summer and I think it was 300 rupees in and there were very few spectators in the ground. As usual with over here greed has taken over. Even if they charged 1000 rupees a ticket, they would be making over 3 times on ticket prices alone, and also the grounds would be much fuller. As I say im not surprised by any of this. Who is your contact in Colombo? Again let me know if there's anything I can do Regards Kyle
From: Colin Edwards
Subject: Sri Lanka Tour
Date: 23 May 2018 at 22:43:55 BST
To: andy@barmyarmy.com
Hi Andy,
I've just read the article about ticket prices and have to say i'm both disgusted & now
thinking me and my family will go somewhere else for our holiday this year! There is no
way I will be paying these "jacked up" prices based on principle alone!
Congratulations on telling us the full story this far out - We will go on the West Indies tour
instead to see the mighty England!
Kind Regards
Colin Edwards
Sales Manager
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: James Flint
Subject: Sri Lanka Tickets
Date: 25 May 2018 at 13:04:06 BST
To: "andy@barmyarmy.com"
Andy,
Thanks for the very detailed and informative article with respect to tickets to the Sri
Lanka tour. My wife and I were planning on going over for two weeks to combine a
holiday with 5 days at one test - in fact we were going to start making bookings this
weekend.
Having seen your note we will hold off.
The possibility of having to pay £270 each for 5 days (£540 in total) will put us off this
trip, so thank goodness I saw it briefly reported in The Times this morning to drive me to
your website.
We did the SA tour 8 years ago and the only way we could afford it was based on the
very reasonable ticket prices offered direct by Western Province. A real shame Sri Lanka
seek to profit like this. We will not make our trip unless this is revisited with guarantees
we won’t be forced out of areas, or made to stand/sit on the grass with no cover.
Thanks for the article - at least we hadn’t spent any money on this yet.
JamesFrom: Dean Andrews Subject: Sri Lanka tickets Date: 25 May 2018 at 13:47:46 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Hi Andy, I assume you're inundated with replies relating to your article surrounding the Sri Lanka cricket tickets. Me my partner have booked the flights and have booked all of the accommodation separately due to wanting to travel around as much as possible. Plus I believed this to be the best option to get us the best prices I could. I wanted to book more 'romantic' places a part of the deal of her coming with me, haha, which is why I went with this option. I was hoping to pick up some tickets and attend, and although the prices aren't ideal, I am happy to pay the extra to complete the holiday, as it has long been a dream of mine. I'm just a bit worried now, that even if I manage to get tickets, we may be evicted due to these possibly being 'Sri Lankan only' zones. Do you have any suggestions? Or do you think it could end up being a very risky way to spend £500+? Thanks very much for your time. Kind Regards, Dean -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nigel Subject: Sri Lanka Tickets Date: 25 May 2018 at 17:10:30 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Interesting piece on ticketing prices. First overseas tour we ever went on was to the West Indies, they stuck on a 30 quid per person per day surcharge for Brits, cost me £600 extra, two people, ten days. Plenty couldn’t/wouldn’t pay and pulled out. Seems we’re regarded as mug punters wherever we go. We went to Sri Lanka for the 7 one-dayers in 2014. We paid 7000 rupees, about £35, for seats in a box (very nice, aircon telly etc). Grandstand prices were 3000 rupees as I recall. Booked flights and hotels for this year and just started thinking about match tickets. Google took me to a site called eticketing – are they the SLC appointed sellers? Prices for test matches were £40/day, £175/five days for what was described as “ premium AC”. Not clear whether AC is aircon, block A-C or something else. I hope you can reason with the SLC and persuade them not to kill the golden goose. I’ll be keeping an eye on your website to see how you get on and of course to check out any advice you can offer. All the best, Nigel Turner
From: mike jones Subject: Tickets Date: 25 May 2018 at 18:10:01 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Cc: Chaos Hi Andy Whilst I was travelling independently in South Africa at the time of the Tsunami I well remember that the Barmy Army collection for the disaster was the very first response to the disaster. Also as many of us in SA at the time had visited Sri Lanka the response was unified and generous. Apparently the image of the beautiful island is being tarnished by the greed of the Cricket authorities. The population of Sri Lanka deserve better leadership. I know many who are reluctant to travel, so the whole economy will suffer from the greed of a few. Mike Jones Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ian jones Subject: Galle test match Date: 26 May 2018 at 18:22:23 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" With reference to above. I presume you are aware that the authorities in Galle attempted to even charge to sit on the fort on the last day in 2012. Most of people I know refused and sat there anyway. I am of the opinion that this area may even be fenced off and admission charged even though I understand this is illegal due to local bylaws. Has anyone any opinion on this. Also you state that normal admission price is 300 SL . I have been to watch Pakistan play there recently and the cheapest was 50 per day and dearest was only 250. Tickets are never sold at any of their grounds including food or drink. The ICC makes a song and dance about their racism policy but conveniently turn a blinds eye to this, or even reply to any complaints. I will not be going. Ian Jones
From: Leo Phillips Subject: Galle Date: 27 May 2018 at 12:05:12 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Dear Andy, A quick note to say thank you for the update on tickets for the test match at galle in november. I have booked a flight and accommodation already, but there is absolutely no way I will pay c. £50 a day for a seat (nor, indeed am I able to!). I also am not in need of a rucksack or cap! Please do link me in if there are any further updates as I really hope to enjoy my time there, but this profiteering is most distasteful - i watched bangladesh at galle a few years back - a most entertaining day’s cricket, a beautiful venue, and free admission! I am certainly willing to pay something to see England, but these amounts are an insult. All best, Leo Phillips. Sent from my iPad -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Armstrong, Andrew" Subject: SL tour Date: 28 May 2018 at 06:17:52 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Hi Andy. Was shocked to read the report of the gouging that SLC are planning for the England fans travelling to SL in October / November. We have already booked our flights with Singapore air, and they will be non-refundable, but I am so disgusted by what I have read, that I am willing to take the loss on the two flights as a matter of principal and just stay at home. Thankfully I have not booked any hotels, tours or transportation – I cannot get over the fact that SLC will jeopardise the potential windfall for a lot of ordinary Sri Lankan people through its own greed!! I have written to the SL tourist board and the SLC association, not expecting any sort of response though. It’s a shame, not just for myself, but for all cricket fans – As if we are not struggling enough already with the long format of the game. Andy Armstrong | Production Control Manager Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance
From: Brendon Eastwood Subject: SLC Ticket Policy and Prices Date: 29 May 2018 at 15:00:31 BST To: andy@barmyarmy.com Dear Andy Are SLC intent on deterring England fans from travelling to future tours in Sri Lanka?? I have flights booked and intend spending a few days in Tangalle before travelling to Galle for the 1st test. I expect to pay more than local fans, but £50 per day is outrageous!! Unless SLC have a rethink I'll probably be watching from the ramparts or on the TV with many others. Brendon Eastwood -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Geoffrey Cobb Subject: The English Tax Date: 24 May 2018 at 17:42:17 BST To: andy@barmyarmy.com Greetings Andy Let’s hear it for the Barmy Army! You are the only people taking a stand on behalf of the ordinary cricket supporter. I applaud you I have been following England abroad for some 24 years now and have seen Our Brave Boys play in every test playing country, including Pakistan in both their home and Dubai. I travel independently, sort out my own accommodation and buy my tickets wherever I can. Frequently I have simply paid at the gate but this is gradually becoming more difficult as the avarice virus spreads around the cricketing world English supporters are being ripped off everywhere. It’s the same in rugby. Unfortunately the ECB are not interested. They are of course cut from the same cloth so probably approve of the Sri Lankan authorities greedy stance. While people keep paying these exorbitant prices they will continue to rise year on year. This practice of charging us much more than the locals has been growing in recent years. Unfortunately the other tour operators will not do anything. In Australia I talked to the head honcho of one of them and his view was that there was nothing they could do. If all the tour operators got together and negotiated jointly they could have a huge effect. But the vast majority of them see themselves only as competitors. They could of course continue to compete on hotels, service, speakers etc etc.
Gradually the numbers going overseas are falling. The Barmy Army foot soldiers were thin on the ground in Australia last winter because of the cost. It’s predominantly the grey haired like me who go overseas these days. It’s another feature of cricket’s decline. Caused by greed In conclusion, well done the Barmy Army for trying to help us. Test cricket is in trouble and needs all the supporters it can muster. This kind of short term pursuit of easy money will simply hasten its demise by putting off potential overseas travellers. Once they break the habit many will not return Geoffrey Cobb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nick Blyth Subject: Kandy Date: 29 May 2018 at 19:11:07 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Andy Pete woodhouse pointed me out your article on tickets. I'm disgusted as I have booked flights and hotels for Kandy but we won't pay those prices. We will simply do sightseeing and surely it is time the UK Government stepped in? As a Surrey fan we helped fund and rebuild after devastation hit and we are treated this way?? This is racial discrimination and no other word for it and is wholly unacceptable in 2018. Imagine this happening in UK? I cannot see how matters will change now they've sold rights off to company who need to recoup money. It is akin to viagogo and legalised official touting. Regards Nick Blyth Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mike Stark Subject: Sri Lanka Date: 29 May 2018 at 19:11:53 BST To: andy@barmyarmy.com Hi Andy I am interested in going to Sri Lanka with a Barmy Army tour. I have never been there before and the country and cricket have great appeal. I have however read your latest news letter regarding ticket prices and the kind of reception visiting England supporters may receive. This has to be blunt, put me off. The ticket prices are higher than those at The Oval where I am a member! I don’t object to a reasonable premium over locals, I experienced that in Barbados, I am happy to help the local economy, however what you describe is unacceptable. What are the possibilities of reserving a tour subject to getting sensible ticket prices? Regards Mike Sent from my iPad -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tom Smith Subject: Re: Sri Lanka Date: 30 May 2018 at 06:15:13 BST To: andrew thompson Read your post on the Sri Lanka debacle. I’m coming out for a month and there is no way I’m paying more than 500 rupees per day! I saw the latest update in the Lanka press, that the board may have u turned, but have you guys considered some sort of challenge to the ICC? The pricing structure is clearly discriminatory and contrary to the anti racism policy. Not sure if a breach of this policy ( by a member country, where the organisation is based in Dubai) could be legally challenged in our courts, but it would make for an interesting legal precedent. Thanks for all your efforts so far to raise the issue, and if it goes against us, I shal be very happy contacting media outlets via our contacts in the Addis Army to muddy the boards name! See you soon for a beer! Tom
Begin forwarded message: From: no-reply@barmyarmy.com Subject: Contact Form Footer: Barmy Army Date: 26 May 2018 at 12:04:18 BST To: info@barmyarmy.com, tom.knowles@barmyarmy.com Reply-To: no-reply@barmyarmy.com Name: Nigel Snawdon Contact Email: Message: I will not be going to SL as these prices and blatant profiteering (as you put it) really deter me. I was in South Africa for the India series for much the same reason - Australia was expensive and although I travelled to NZ for the two Test series - I found their ticketing stance to seating in Christchurch unsympathetic and Auckland is a rugby ground! Unless they start using Basin Reserve again I fear my touring days to NZ are also over! You are right to point out that all this puts even more pressure on Test cricket and we may be witnessing a sad demise of the best game in the world! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Thompson, Clive" Subject: Galle test, ticket prices Date: 30 May 2018 at 14:58:34 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Hi there, I refer to the discussion around “rip off” prices for the Galle test match. I was thinking of going to Galle, and this would be my first overseas match (and tour game) but would not be attending at a cost of £270 for 5 days with no refund available (especially if the groundsman fixes the game again!). This would be stupid, and a shame as I was looking forward to seeing the country. Hopefully some semblance of sanity will prevail, if not Antigua here I come! Best wishes, Clive Clive Thompson BSc.(Econ), FCII, CFIRM
From: Subject: Sri Lanka Ticket prices Date: 1 June 2018 at 16:05:00 BST To: Hi Andy, A mate forwarded me the latest info from the Barmy Army website re : the English Tax in Sri Lanka. Really interested to hear about developments as myself and a few friends have already booked flights and accommodation for the first two tests and were intending on going along as just the sort of ‘casual, ticket only’ turn-up on the day type fans that the ticketing policy will affect. Personally it won’t stop me going to Sri Lanka, but at over £50 for a day’s play it will certainly make me think twice about how many days I spend in the stadium (as opposed to on the hill at Galle Fort especially). We were intending on watching as many days play as was financially viable, but if the Sri Lankan authorities make it too costly, we would rather top up the tan at Unawatuna Beach and they can miss out on ticket, food, drinks and any ‘souvenir’ revenue that our group would happily have spent. Their loss. Plus the bad press that the empty seats will bring them – especially when it is made known there are lots of fans over there effectively ‘locked out’ of the grounds by prohibitive prices. Regards Martin Isaacs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Richard Barrow Subject: FW: Sri Lanka Date: 28 May 2018 at 10:47:07 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Hello Andy My good friend Geoffrey Cobb has copied me with his letter to you re regarding the Sri Lankan Test Tickets. He and I are apart of a light hearted group of England independent cricket travelers (about forty in total) collectively known as the Grass Bankers. We vote on our opposite to the Man of the Match award after each match known as the 'Gavin Hamilton Award' by email. Looks like Stoneman will will win in hands down for the Lords Test. It is of course all puerile banter, but great fun and a lot of firm friendships and one marriage has resulted from our disjointed group. So from the above you will see a lot us will be travelling to Sri Lanka and have all been sent your excellent report and share your concerns regarding the fixing of ticket prices. It is a disgrace and an insult. I could live with it to a certain degree if the money was going to ploughed back into Sri Lankan Cricket; but it is clear that is not the case. I fully intend to lobby the ECB to intervene on behalf of ALL England supporters & tour groups. I happen to be a Board Member at Sussex but suspect that will not carry any weight with either ECB of SL cricket authorities. However I will use all available contacts to press home the point.I will keep you updated if i should have any joy. All the Best Richard J Barrow -
From: Adam Penney Subject: Sri Lanka Tour Date: 5 June 2018 at 16:04:37 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Andy I read the below article with interest: https://www.barmyarmy.com/news-english-tax-barmy-army-stand-firm-for-all-england-fans- againstrip-offsri-lanka-ticket-prices.html I am heading to Sri Lanka in November on my honeymoon and we were going to buy tickets to one of the three tests whilst out there. Although our trip wont be booked with Barmy Army travel, it was very much my intention to book our tickets in the same area and head to the same bars / areas etc for the one or two days that we go to the cricket. However, having read your news article, I share your concern re buying tickets, and it would be a great shame if we do not attend the cricket due to the actions of SCL. I will be following this story with interest though in the hope that the situation changes. Kind Regards Adam -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ruth Deary Subject: Re: Galle November 2018 Date: 5 June 2018 at 18:06:50 BST To: andy@barmyarmy.com ps my parents have visited Sri Lanka several times before and love the country. I think my Mum may email you separately. This is making them rethink which is a shame. I don't necessarily object to paying a bit more than locals given our different economies, their currency being worth little and their reliance on tourism but it seems to be a question of what is reasonable. And the prices you mention are not reasonable especially given the unlikelihood of a fifth (or even a fourth!) day. Perhaps a compromise over 'away fans' prices would be possible? Interested to hear your thoughts Thanks Ruth
On Tue, 5 Jun 2018, 16:54 Ruth Deary, wrote: Hi Andy My parents, myself and my husband are travelling to Galle in November to watch the 1st test. We are travelling independently as on a budget and were planning to buy tickets ourselves either at the ground or before if at all possible. I've just read your latest news on the Barmy army site and I am a bit concerned now! I'd appreciate your help in what best to do to be able to purchase (decently priced!) tickets to the test. Thank you Ruth Deary (ps it is my parents' 70th birthdays so want to them enjoy it!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: David Kynaston Subject: SL ticket fiasco Date: 12 June 2018 at 06:48:03 BST To: andy@barmyarmy.com Hi This happened on a West Indies four years ago. Just a way of forcing tourists to pay more. This is done all over Asia at tourist hot spots. There are ways around it for independent travelers. Buy your tickets on the gate. We did that in the Caribbean. £7 to get in rather than the £50 ish foreigners were supposed to pay. ECB and the Counties should step in. Regards Dk Sent from David Kynaston --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: carl mesham Subject: Ridiculous ticket prices !! Date: 18 June 2018 at 01:09:12 BST To: "andy@barmyarmy.com" Hi Andy, I have been planning to do the Sri Lanka tour for a couple of years now, and was just about to book flights and hotels when my friend sent me the article about ticket prices there. I stopped working over a year ago so I am on a budget now, so there is no way I am paying 50 quid a day to watch the game, and planning on not going now. Surely the ECB should be working on our behalf, as we are getting totally ripped off. I will delay booking my flights until I hear the prices have come down....is there a site I should be looking at to keep me up to date on this ?? Cheers, Carl -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On 16 Jun 2018, at 21:01, David wrote: Hi Andy, Not sure if you still want details of Sri Lanka and the potential problems with their ticketing policy. We have spent a fortune on booking a holiday to coincide with the Galle and Kandy tests. The hotels are at a premium and the prices have gone up a ridiculous amount (I did a comparison with non test dates). OK, it's a holiday as well as a trip to watch the cricket but my other half does not want to attend more than a couple of days, which is something she always does when we book our trips to watch England. Therefore the prospect of her having to pay over £200 for a package she doesn't want is ridiculous and we simply won't do it. The whole point about travelling independently is that the tickets everywhere in the world (except Australia) are cheap to buy. I've always contacted you or somebody else in the Barmy Army and have been told to buy them in the country or directly from the relevant cricket board rather than pay the inflated prices that you are charged with Barmy Army tours by the same cricket boards. To be told by you "don't buy them from us or you'll pay over the odds" is both refreshing and heartwarming and why the Barmy Army exists. We've done this successfully in Antigua, South Africa and New Zealand and were hoping to do the same in Sri Lanka. We are now in a position where we may as well have gone on Barmy Army Tours as it would have been cheaper. However, this is not the way we want to do Sri Lanka and are feeling a bit miffed about their new policy. That is no reflection on Barmy Army Tours as I had a great time with you in Australia but that was with my mate not my "significant other" who is not a big cricket fan. Very disappointed by their actions. We've been oin holiday to Sri Lanka before and loved the place and the people but this blatant profiteering leaves a bit of a sour taste. Feel free to add my comments to anything you might be putting together. I've also signed the online petition. Yours, Dave Holmes
From: David Gordon Subject: Fwd: Galle First Test 6/11/2018 Date: 14 June 2018 at 16:26:42 BST To: andythompson@barmyarmy.com Hi Thought I would forward a copy of a e mail I have just sent to Galle Cricket Club Do you have any update Thanks Dave Gordon Sent from my iPhone -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Begin forwarded message: From: David Gordon Date: 14 June 2018 at 16:19:32 BST To: gallecc@sltnet.lk Cc: Mark Bowman Subject: Galle First Test 6/11/2018 Hi We are part of a group of mature England supporters who are visiting the Galle area from the 4-17/11 and are looking to be going to the above test match. There is bad news being circulated here that on top of our expense of travelling and staying in your hotels, you will be raising the cricket ticket price for each of the days to around 10,600 rupees around £50. This is well out of order and on speaking to to other England fans, they have no intention of being ripped off. This will result in many fans watching on local tv and congregating at venues to watch as a group. I understand that the ticket sales is being run independently and that they are controlling the prices Can I suggest that this matter is given immediate attention before you finish up with a very poorly attended cricket venue instead of a full vibrant one with England supporters being treated equally. I await your reply. There are 9 in our group. David Gordon Sent from my iPhone
From: Tom Smith Subject: Lanka update Date: 31 August 2018 at 08:56:10 BST To: andythompson@barmyarmy.com Andy, hope all is well. Just a quick update from the Addis Army (Gyppo Division)! 5 of us have booked between 2-4 weeks in Lanka, but due to the pricing issues, we will only be going to the warm up matches ( still hopefully free) and the Galle Test from the fort (agin hopefully Gratis)! We have cancelled accommodation in Kandy and Colombo and instead will be travelling and touring the country. It also is likely to be the last time I bother going to Lanka. 2012 was bad enough at £25, but this one stinks. As you know I prefer to sit with locals and enjoy the match with them, spending my money via the local economy away from the main tourists. I do however resent been used a cash cow, and will instead watch future Lanka tours from afar. Perhaps worth mentioning to the High Commissioner on your trip down Saarrfffff! See you in Galle
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