(Kumar Sangakkara is a known figure in cricket playing nations)
Sri Lanka cricket star Kumar Sangakkara, currently in England turning out for the English county Surrey, had to taste the bitter side of the United Kingdom Immigration Department in London. Sangakkara, who was in London during the final week of April to play Surrey’s Division II match against Essex at the Kennington Oval, is believed to have been questioned by an immigration officer when he returned to London yesterday. But it is unclear at which airport he was taken to questioning in London.
“Back in London last night. Had a horrendous experience with a rude, patronising and extremely discourteous UK immigration officer,” Sangakkara’s first twitter message, posted around 5.30 pm Sri Lanka time said.The incident however doesn’t seem to be an easy going one as Sangakkara continued to post three more messages to his twitter account.
“I understand the need for vigilance completely but common courtesy and manners is not too much to ask for,” the second tweet said. But Sangakkara had finally gained solace, despite the officer who had stopped for questioning, as other officers on duty had been nice towards the now retired ODI and Twenty20 International specialist batsman.
“Luckily the rest of the UK immigration officers were lovely. Coming to the UK for 15 years and first time I have encountered this,” read his third tweet.
The scars left in Sangakkara’s mind depict the horrendous experience faced in the final twitter post. The post hints of possible racism. “No matter colour, religion or fame every well intentioned traveller deserves courtesy. Luckily for me it was one person and just this once,” it said.
Sangakkara, who signed with the Hobart Hurricanes for the Big Bash League 2015 had played two Division II first class county matches for Surrey, scoring 149 and 40 against Glamorgan at Cardiff and 52 and 43 against Essex at The Oval. Surrey plays Leicestershire from today in a four-day match at the Kennington Oval in London
– Sunday Times