CLASSIFIED | POLITICS | TERRORISM | OPINION | VIEWS

MINISTER OF SPORTS - CRICKET

Don Dissanayake

Apart from our traditional and non-traditional export oriented products/services, the game of Cricket has injected vast sums of economic resources into Sri Lanka. Winning World Cup in 1996 was a major contributing factor for this turn around of events which also created a new image for SL. Today, SL cricket is at its lowest ebb. We need to turn this Crisis into an Opportunity. Since the start of world cup in 1975, West Indies have won twice (1975, 79), Australia thrice ( 87, 99, 2003), India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka once each ( 83, 92 and 96 respectively).

In a country where we have so many Ministries for economic and social activities, there is a strong justification for the creation of a specialized ministry for Cricket., perhaps creating another world history in Sri Lanka. The economic benefits, return on funds or the pay back period on investing in a novel model such as creation of a specialized ministry for cricket will be
quite attractive and faster.

It is 10 years since we won the World Cup, lets not slip this great achievement into history books as an isolated chance. After all, beating 1987 world champions Australia was not an isolated chance. Let us not allow the SLCB, interim committees or other cronies to ruin the status of SL cricket in its international standing. Let us not allow Cricket to become 'money making circus', for limited few but protect it as a national asset which belongs to the Nation as a whole, just the same way we protect Sigiriya Frescoes etc.

As coaches we had Bruce Yardly ( for a short period), Dave Whatmore, John Wright and now Tom Moody. And as leaders in ODI and Tests (permanent and replacement skippers) we had Bandula Warnapura, Anura Tennakoon, Duleep Mendis, Ravi Ratnayake, Roshan Mahanama, Somachandra De Silva, Ranjan Madugalle, Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Hashan Tillekeratne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and now Marvan Atapattu ( a great Skipper).

World Cup 07 is a great challenge and SL can achieve this milestone for the second time if organizational structure is entrusted to some one who loves and knows the game, more than any one else in Sri Lanka. Lets get the winning combination and contribute for the development of the game, without getting mixed up in politics and 'money making circus'.

Did I hear the elevation of Mr Arjuna Ranatunga, as the new Minister of Sports - Cricket ( Cabinet ranking), reporting directly to the President? If so, just leave the rest for him, he will surprise the world, as he has done once before, 10 years ago.

(NOTE: The writer has no personal connection whatsoever with AR).

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