The Sri Lanka men’s cricket team has expressed concerns regarding the security situation in England following anti-immigrant riots that have erupted in various cities. In response, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has assured Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the players about the safety measures in place.

Players currently in England for pre-series training have shared their worries about the unrest, especially since there is no security plan for this part of their trip.

The group of nine, which includes seven players and two support staff members, has requested SLC to arrange improved security in the coming days as they commute to and from a venue near London.

“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned,” one player is quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “We can’t really go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up.

“We’ve asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven’t heard anything back yet.”

The majority of the team is scheduled to arrive in England for a three-match Test series on Sunday, when the ECB’s security measures will take effect.

Sri Lanka’s team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, who remains in Sri Lanka, mentioned to ESPNcricinfo that he had raised concerns with the ECB after seeing news from Manchester, where the team will play their first Test starting August 21.

“I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements,” Halangoda said. “We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well.”

While some far-right protests have turned violent, numerous counter-protests have emerged recently to show support for immigrant-owned businesses and spaces frequented by immigrants.

The UK government has assured sporting organisations that the country remains safe for sports, following an emergency call on Wednesday. UK police have made it clear that they will take action to prevent violence.

Sri Lanka are set to face England in three Tests, starting on August 21 in Manchester, followed by the second Test at Lord’s on August 29, and concluding at The Oval on September 6.