Pollard, Danushka have ‘mutual respect’ for each other, claims CWI president

Danushka Gunathilaka 'Obstructing the field' dismissal may have divided the cricket world but according to the Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt, the home team captain has "respect" for the Sri Lankan opening batsman.

On Wednesday, the Sri Lanka all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka received a rare obstructing the field dismissal in the first One Day International against West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

The match became ill-tempered when, in the 21st over, Gunathilaka was judged to have obstructed the field when he trod on the ball while Pollard was attempting to affect a run out. Pollard did not revoke the appeal and questions have been asked about his sportsman spirit.

"Both players (Danushka and captain Pollard) have mutual respect for each other", Skerritt, speaking exclusively over the telephone said and also sent the photos in which Pollard had his hands to Danishka's shoulders. "I do not know when these photos were captured but they seem to tell a story of two professionals with mutual respect."

"The head coach Mickey Arthur was rather upset with the umpires' decision and went to the third umpire's room where the match referee was also there", one of the commentators confirmed.

Former international players-Tom Moody (now the SLC Director), Daren Sammy and Michael Vaughan also criticised the poor decision.  

The last ODI between the two teams scheduled to be played on Sunday will be a day match instead of the D/N match. "It is because of a problem with the back up generator to power the lights. Such a generator needs to be operational just in case there is a power outage during the match" the CWI chief added.