India not a second string team: Sri Lanka Cricket responds after Arjuna Ranatunga slams home board

India tour of Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Cricket responded to criticism over hosting a "second string Indian team" after former captain Arjuna Ranatunga blasted the governing body for agreeing to play against an Indian team without their Test regulars.

Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday responded to former captain Arjuna Ranatunga who had criticised the board for agreeing to play against a "second-string Indian team" in the upcoming white-ball series, starting july 13. The cricket board refuted Ranatunga's claims, saying the Indian team, led by Shikhar Dhawan, is a strong side. World Cup-winning former captain Ranatunga had hit out at the Sri Lankan cricket board, saying the governing body agreed to host the Indian side to cater to TV marketing needs and that it's an insult that a "weaker" team would be playing in the island nation while the Test regulars, led by Virat Kohli will prepare for their 5-Test series against England in the UK.