The Sri Lankan men’s team has expressed concerns about the security situation in England in light of anti-immigration riots that have broken out in several cities. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) responded by reassuring Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the team of the security arrangements in place.

Players in England for pre-series training have also expressed concern about the unrest, particularly given the lack of a security plan covering that part of their trip. The group of nine – seven players and two support staff – have asked SLC to arrange better security for their travel to and from a venue near London over the next few days.

“Most of the problems don’t seem to be anywhere near where we are but everyone is still a bit worried,” one England player told ESPNcricinfo. “We can’t really go out for dinner or anything like that. We stay in hotels for the most part. Nobody wants to get into trouble and get beat up.

“We have asked the board to provide some security for us until the main team arrives but have not heard back yet.”

The bulk of the squad will arrive in England on Sunday for a three-match Test series, at which point the ECB’s security plan will kick in. Sri Lankan team manager Mahinda Halangoda, who is still in Sri Lanka, told ESPNcricinfo that he had raised concerns with the ECB, particularly after seeing the news from Manchester, where the team will play its first Test match on August 21.

“I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us comprehensive security arrangements,” Halangoda said. “There will also be a security liaison officer from them on the tour.”

While some far-right protests have been marked by violence, there have also been large counter-protests in the past few days aimed at protecting immigrant-owned businesses, places of worship and other places frequently visited by immigrants.

The UK government also reassured sports bodies in an urgent appeal on Wednesday that the country remained safe for sport, while UK police made it clear they would crack down on and prevent violence.

Sri Lanka will play three Tests in England, starting in Manchester on August 21. The teams will then travel to Lord’s for the second Test on August 29, before concluding at The Oval on September 6.