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Cricketers must be told that enough is enough

Comment by Elmo Rodrigopulle

From what we can hear and read, there is no doubt that role of the Cricket Board in the run up to the World Cup needs critical re-examination, in the light of the players' demands for more money.

With the Board struggling for funds, it is sad to hear that the International Cricket Council has held back US $ 500,000 for failing to honour the deadline for completion of player contracts.

This is because the Board and the players were at loggerheads over compensation payments for World Cup advertising rights which was finally solved after the expiry of the ICC deadline.

Whether we like it or not the ICC is the final authority on the game. They too may have their faults. But they were involved in organising the show piece of cricket - the one-day World Cup and they too among other heavy responsibilities had to keep deadlines.

The delay apparently was because the players were demanding more. Had the Board been strict with them, this sorry impasse would not have been.

The players need not be told that the game's the thing, they should know it by now.

If the players were refusing to sign their contracts, the CB should have told them to go to hell and sent a fresh team to the World Cup.

There is so much talent around and probably a better team could have been sent. Sports, among other things teaches discipline and to respect authority.

This would have served as a deterrent to the up coming players that the authorities were not going to tolerate indiscipline.

With the players craving for money, had the CB plastered the sightscreens with mock dollar notes, the chances would have been that our cricketers who are so avaricious would have done better in the semi-final and final with the dollar notes staring them. Also it is ugly to note that some of the players were counting the money they were going to make after the World Cup, instead of concentrating on the game and trying to win the Cup for Sri Lanka.

Aravinda a good choice

Minister Johnston Fernando must be applauded for appointing Sri Lanka's master batsman Aravinda de Silva, a cricket selector. With his tremendous experience he would have made a good chairman.

The Minister had to face a bouncer barrage, with some members threatening to resign over De Silva's inclusion as a selector. But that the Minister had his way, was signals that he would not tolerate nonsense.

Threats to resign would be made. But they would not become a reality because there are so many good things on offer being in the Cricket Board.

While the 5-man selection committee looks a good one, we are not in agreement with some of the selections made.

Some of those who were flops in the World Cup are still tops and in the plane to Sharjah.

The Chairman of selectors has made an unrealistic and unacceptable statement when asked why is it that Upul Chandana has not been able to find a place. He had felt that Chandana is not good enough a batsman. A lame excuse indeed.

Chandana's prowess as a brilliant all rounder has been proved times without number.

Vacancy for a captain

After Sanath Jayasuriya who? This is the question for which cricketers and cricket fans seek an answer once Jayasuriya quits as captain.

Most countries have set their sights on the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies and have begun preparations. The world Cup champions Australia have already made their intentions known.

As for us Mahela Jayawardena would have been the ideal choice as captain. True he failed miserably in the World Cup. But that should not block his chances of being considered for the post.

All great batsmen go through lean periods. It is no different with Jayewardena. He has natural leadership qualities and when appointing time of a new captain comes around, we hope that those entrusted with the job of picking the captain will have Jayawardena uppermost in their minds.

This is if they are looking at a long term investment.

With everything not so rosy in the cricket scene, we see no reason why the Ranatungas and the Sumathipalas cannot put aside their difference and combine to do things for the game, the player and the administration.

The only man who can bring them together is former Sri Lanka's all rounder Abu Fuard, who is also credited with having opened the doors for cricketers from the outstation to join the elite and play in the big league.

If the demonstrations held in Moratuwa in favour of Romesh Kaluwitharane is an indication, then it is time that those who control the game, took serious note of it.

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