SPORTS

 Samat on Sunday

Is time right for cricket elections? FOR an administration meant to be pro tem, the longevity of the Cricket Board interim committee is quite extraordinary. It came into existence in 1999, precisely after our inglorious World Cup campaign of '99, and has administered Sri Lanka cricket since _ but for a few fleeting months straddling 2000/01. By any definition a life span of over three years, and counting, gives quite another meaning to what supposedly is temporary, more so as it substitutes a body whose constitutional term is only one year. The irony is inescapable: interim committees have become more permanent than elected ones. The inordinate delay in restoring elected officials to the Cricket Board was, of

course, a pile of litigation, all rooted in politics _the why and wherefore of which are common knowledge. Suffice to say a court order forbidding controversial past board president, Thilanga Sumathipala, from involvement in cricket administration was what kept interim committees in fashion for so long. But with that order rescinded by court last week there's no reason why the reins should not be handed back to ''democratically'' elected representatives. It's the logical consequence, but then recent history of local cricket administration is replete with the illogical. More on that later.

Sumathipala meanwhile reacted with the speed of lightening to the court judgement of last Thursday morning. By evening he had gathered the media around him and, unsurprisingly, lambasted the workings of the interim committee. ''Interim arrangements don't work because they aren't answerable to anyone,'' he declared airily. Elected officials, he argued, are answerable to the membership. ''Let the members run the Board _ they have done that successfully for 52 years, so they should know best,'' he preached. All very virtuous thoughts, but then virtue was hardly the dominant feature of his years as cricket's boss. Had it been, then there would've been no reason for prematurely replacing two of his regimes with interim committees.

The man is over the moon, assuming power apparently. It is for the government to decide whether it wants a cricket board administered by an interim committee of its choice or by popularly elected officials. With weightier issues occupying government's time and mind, the matter of who runs the cricket board is not likely to figure on its short list any time soon. This much, however, looks certain: the Hemaka Amarasuriya interim committee will stay till the conclusion of the World Cup in March. That was what the government promised when it appointed the committee early last year. As well, it declared this will be the last of interim committees and elections would decide the composition of the 2003/04 Cricket Board. But then promises are just that _ promises.

Anyway, the arrangement promised the new administration a year of peace, especially with a few Sumithipala loyalists included in the Amarasuriya team _a promise that was put asunder the moment the beans spilled on a secret deal between government and Sumathipala. A crucial condition was, the new interim committee sanctions Sumithipala as our man at the ICC _ something members Tissera, Wettimuny and. Kushil Gunasekera would not hear of. They argued that anyone without any mooring to the Cricket Board is not entitled to represent it in the world body. They threw in their resignations.

The government was in a bind, not knowing whether to support the views of the respected cricketing elders or insist on Sumathipala's ICC appointment. It sought the advice of the Attorney General, who ruled Tissera and co.'s argument valid. So, it wasn't Sumathipala but Amarasuriya who flew out to London for the ICC meeting last spring _ and life surely wasn't going to be the same for the rest of Amarasuriya's term. Sumathipala is not far wrong in his description of the present administration: ''it has no direction, no leadership.'' But just how much he is to blame for this muddle is never going to be admitted, but is well conveyed by Amarasuriya's request to government last July to be relieved of his job. It is as near an admission as possible that Sumathipala's men in the interim committee were rowing oars in the opposite direction.

Admirable resolve

All this needless turbulence makes a good case for continuing with interim committees, if the government so wishes, because an election is fairly certain to return, if not Sumathipala, then his loyalists, to power. And there's no need for jogging memory to remind us that interim committees were in the first place compelled upon the game by the controversial workings of the Sumathipala regime. Twice. His critics' advance many reasons why the thrice-elected president refuses to take his foot out of the cricket board door. Some of the reasons said are rendered unprintable by the laws of libel, but he confesses to the popular view that until he has become ICC's number one he won't rest easy. It is too much of an obsession to compromise for anything less. Whatever you might think about his suitability to be world cricket's most powerful man, he has to be admired for questing to conquer such lofty peaks. During his time he has endured quite some vicious personal attacks, declared persona non grata and betrayed by at least one of his trusted confidantes. But nothing fazed him: the passion for realizing his ambitions remained undiminished. The man's resolve is admirable. So, it has to be asked if Sumathipala is all that bad for cricket? Even his critics privately respect his unbridled enthusiasm for the game, his drive and his imaginativeness. You can argue about his wisdom of having a multi-million-rupee stadium in Dambula, but you can't help but marvel at how a giant masterpiece of architecture could've risen from the wilds in a matter of months. Yes, he might be good for the game, but many of his loyalists (though some prefer to call them parasitic toadies) weren't. Sumathipala probably deserved better men in his team. But in choosing the sort of personnel he did initially, the genuine and knowledgeable ones didn't want to have to do anything with his administrations. The parting of ways with the Ranatungas _ a fallout of his sacking of CEO, Dhammika _ didn't help.

Three interest groups

It is not wrong to say that the Sumathipala faction has to contend with three other interest groups: 1/ the Ranatungas 2/ the Dharmadasas and 3/ the interim committee faithfuls. Much of the influential members in the cricketing fraternity has lined up behind these three groups in the months Sumathipala was left out in the cold. This explains why when the doors to cricket reopened to him after the last general elections, his men to the present interim committee were of unknown quantity. He has to cast his nets in newer waters. So, if elections are to decide the next batch of Cricket Board officials and Sumathipala wins out, as most believe he will then, who makes up his team will be interesting. This much is certain there will no Ranatungas, Tisseras, Wettimunys and Skandakumars, all respected figures who have made worthy contributions on and off the field.

It is historical fact that past Sumathipala administrations have attracted trouble like moths to campfire _ and forced genuine officials to keep a safe distance away from him. As if that's not discouragement enough, a Sumathipala-led administration of the future is likely to face stormy times, especially with the Ranatungas' and the Dharmadasas' as rivals. Both camps are influential and can be quite pesky. It is difficult to believe that the government is not alive to the potential troubles cricket board elections will bring. After all, the present situation is partly the government's own making: offering the ICC job to Sumathipala as redemption of a political debt.

Point of fatigue

The government might well now have reached a point of fatigue and will likely allow the Cricket Board to go its own way. That is to allow for elections and then let the ''democratic process" to take its course. But that would bring the whole thing back to square one. One of the major objectives in appointing an interim committee in 1999 was to rewrite the constitution so as to prevent power-hungry people from manipulating themselves into board positions. A system of kissing by favour had been in force: financial assistance to clubs and associations in return for their votes. Clubs, it said, mushroomed to feed political ambitions.

The Rienzie Wijetilleke interim committee's S Skandakumar helped craft an imaginative proposal: a board of governors to which the board will be answerable to, especially its financial decisions. The Malalasekera administration too worked on a constitution based on corporate practices. Neither saw the light of the day simply because succeeding administrations wouldn't think of adopting any proposal of their predecessors, however sound they be. And so it has gone, round and round in the same place. A desire of the government to return the cricket file back to the Maitland Crescent address is understandable. That might be easiest way out of the mess, but it won't mean cricket's problems will go away. Elected officials must conduct the affairs of the game, but before that inevitability it would be useful if the reports of Wijetilleke and Malalasekera committees are studied by independent minds and adopted if suitable. Otherwise the old flaws that compelled the appointment of interim committees will remain, meaning cricket is headed to nowhere. If another year of interim rule is required to put in place an unflawed elected system, so be it. And should that be the case then for Heaven's sake let there be a few more men with cricketing knowledge and less of company directors and sundry.

Ten juniors stake out for S.Asian rankings

TEN leading Sri Lankan junior players will have much to play for in two International Tennis Federation's under 14 South Asia Tennis tournaments this month in Colombo. The SLTA selectors has chosen five local boys and as many girls to battle with their counterparts from seven South Asian countries and five-member team ITF team representing Central Asian countries.

At stake are ITF rankings and places in the ITF team, representing South and Central Asia, for the East Asian Championships later this year. The first of Colombo's under 14 S. Asian tournaments will be held from Jan 28 to Feb. 2 and the second, from Feb.2 to 6. ''Before the tournaments (on Jan 26 and 27) all the competitors will undergo training sessions under ITF development officer Suresh Menon, at the end of which, he will decide the seedings for the first tournament.

The seeds of the second tournament will be decided by results of the first, but ranking points will be awarded in both tournaments,'' said SLTA's CEO, Boshan Dayaratne. Coach of the girls team, Roshan Razick is optimistic his charges will make a favourable impression.

"I am fairly confident that three of our girls will finish among the top eight. Amitha Arudpragasam, Thavindra Ekanayake and Navodhi Zoysa are exceptionally talented and playing well presently,'' said Razick. The local players will have to contend with challenges from seven other countries and a five-member ITF team of boys and girls representing Central Asian countries.

The seven countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar. The Sri Lanka boys team will comprise, Kohulan Ravindrakumar (STC, Mt. Lavinia), Chavi Talagala (Ananda), Rukmal Cooray (SPC), T Dineshkanthan (SPC), Mayuresh Rajaratnam (Royal). Coach/Captain: Ganendran Subramaniam.

The girls team: Amitha Arudpragasam (CIS), Thavindra Ekanayake (Visakha), Navodhi Zoysa (Visakha), Ruchika Alahakoon (HFC, B'pitiya) and Bincy Paramanathan (HFC,B'pitiya). Coach/Captain: Roshan Razick.

The SLTA will pick up much of the tabs, including accommodation for the visitors, which is expected to set back the association by US$30,000. The visiting players and officials will reside at Trans Asia, the SLTA's official hotel. ''The ITF will contribute $11,000 and we're hoping to raise the balance through local sponsorship,'' said K.Y.D. Pathiraja, Tournament Director of the South Asian Junior Tennis Championship 2003.

This will be the first of eight international tournaments Colombo will stage this year. It is going to be one of the busiest years the SLTA has ever faced, the schedule including three US$10,000 Futures Championships and the 10-nation Group Four Davis Cup tie.

- TMKS  

Murali's return - a fresh hope for Lanka

By Charlie Austin

Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka's spin magician and the world's greatest bowler, has fully recovered from a hernia operation and re-entered the international fray on January 9 when Sri Lanka took on Australia at the SCG. He carried with him hopes of a Sri Lankan revival and Sri Lanka proved that they are yet not push overs by beating the strong Aussies by 79 runs. They also established a new ground record in Sydney scoring a mamoth 343 for 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Predictably, Murali has been sorely missed. Since flying to Australia for pre-emptive surgery Sanath Jayasuriya's team have won a solitary ODI in eight attempts. Their wayward bowlers have been flogged mercilessly and you would be being generous if you called the fielding butter-fingered. The batting, with the exception of Russel Arnold, has been woeful.

Confidence has not leaked away, it has flooded from the players, leaving coach Dav Whatmore tearing out his hair in frustration, no doubt pondering where it all started to go awry. Just nine months ago the side was riding the crest of a wave after notching up ten consecutive Test victories but now they are being openly mocked.

Of course, the reasons are complex. Some cast their mind back to a team revolt against the selectors last January. Others point firmly at the dark hand of political interference in the cricket board, which intensified during the year. A growing band blames the captain and the coach.

There is no doubt that some off-field matters have adversely affected performance, especially a selection process that has tottered on the shambolic during the past year, but the single most important reason for Sri Lanka's dip is the absence of Murali.

Sri Lanka are not an exceptional side. Jayasuriya has at his disposal a limited pool of talent. There are no baby-faced Aravinda de Silva's waiting in the wings. Fast bowlers of international pedigree remain scarce. However, there is a hardcore of quality and when that core is fully fit and playing their full potential Sri Lanka will be competitive against all sides. But when form and confidence slides, or injuries intervene, there are problems.

The absence of Murali has a particularly disastrous effect. The off-spinner' s importance to the side cannot easily be overstated. Despite claims that Sri Lanka are not overly reliant on him, the fact is that his unique brand of bowling has played a major hand in the vast majority of Sri Lanka's triumphs. Sri Lanka have won only a solitary Test without him since his debut 1992 and that was against lowly Bangladesh. His contribution in the one-day game is no less significant. During Jayasuriya's reign in charge Sri Lanka have won 65% of the ODIs they have played with him in the side. Without him Jayasuriya's win ratio slips to a lowly 22%.

A groin injury knocked the side off course in South Africa two years ago. The same injury allowed England to win a controversial home series in 2001. A dislocated shoulder paved the way for Pakistan's victory in last year's Sharjah final and let England off the hook at Lord's shortly afterwards. Without Murali, Sri Lanka are average.

His value to the side is not measured in wickets alone. His persona provides inspiration. Whether gesticulating wildly in the covers, screaming encouragement from the boundary or tossing the ball between his fingers as he prances in to bowl, he injects the side with positive energy and confidence.

Thus, the news that his recovery is on course should already be lifting the flagging spirits of his team-mates. He will sit out the Australia A match at Adelaide but, despite bowling only three gentle overs in a fundraising game so far on the tour, will most probably play in Sri Lanka's crucial game at the SCG on January 9. He may be rusty but it is a gamble worth taking.

It will not be easy though. Once again, his resilience will be tested to the full by Australian scrutiny of his bowling action. Indeed, the legality of Murali's action, an unusual mix of wrist rotation and locked elbow, has consumed the minds of Australian fans, umpires and journalists on both his previous tours down under in 1995-96 and 1998-99 when he was no-balled by local umpires. Although cleared to the satisfaction of the International Cricket Council (ICC) after high-tech scientific analysis, Sri Lankans fear further chucking controversies.

Already the tabloids have seized upon comments made by former umpire Ross Emerson, who called Murali in 1998-99, to re-ignite the debate. With Darryl Hair, who called him in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 1995, due to officiate in Sri Lanka's second game at the SCG on January 13 there is clearly potential for trouble. But Murali claims to be unconcerned, looking forward to the challenge of playing in Australia: "They can't question me anymore, in my mind, because it's gone. It's all past. I never thought about not coming to Australia. I always wanted to play here."

Inter school cricket by Sunil Thenabadu

Thomians bowled out for 149

Two good bowling performances by Charith Jayaweera (4 for 49) and Achela Ranasinghe (4 for 33), helped Ananda to dismiss S. Thomas' for 149 in 64 overs in their first innings in an inter school fixture that commenced at Mount Lavinia on Friday.

Ananda in their first innings too did not do well, losing 4 wickets for 91 runs in 31 overs at close of play on day one.

Scores: S. Thomas' first innings 149 all out in 64 overs (Sanjeev Mendis 36, D. Warusawithana 20, A. Rajawasam 4 for 33).

Ananda first innings 91 for 4 in 31 overs at stumps. (P. Botheju 21, D. Kularathna 35, T. Dissanayake 15, Sanjeev Mendis 2 for 27).

Exchanges even at Bambalapitiya

The St. Peters - St. Sebastians inter school game that began on Friday at Bambalapitiya produced even exchanges at the close on day one. The Peterites taking the first lease of the wicket, were bundled out for a paltry 135 runs. Manjula Silva (4 for 34) and N. Silva (2 for 17) were responsible for St. Peter's debacle.

St. Sebastian's too failed to impress, losing 8 wickets for 109 runs when stumps were drawn.

Scores: St. Peter's first innings 135 all out (D. Randika 48 n.o, Manjula Silva 4 for 34, N. Silva 2 for 17).

St. Sebastian's first innings 109 for 8 at close (N. Fernando 22, D. Perera 23, S. Boralessa 3 for 30).

Mutwal S.C. in the final

Mutwal S.C. led by Vinod Sivapragasam entered the final round with four straight comprehensive victories.

They beat Liberty C.C. by 9 wickets, Colts C.C. by 5 wickets, Muthuwella P. S.C., by 9 wickets and Yorkshire C.C. by 4 wickets.

ICC's stance on World Cup is clear - Gray

The president of the International Cricket Council, Malcolm Gray, is insisting that there will be no change in the organisation's position despite the row over the staging of World Cup matches in Zimbabwe.

The England and Wales Cricket Board is currently at odds with the UK Government, which is urging them to boycott their scheduled fixture in Harare on February 13.

The ECB is insisting that the government has left it ridiculously late before intervening in the matter, more than a year after the World Cup fixture list was published. The government has ruled out any compensation for financial losses arising out of England's possible withdrawal.

Gray said: "I can't see the position of the ICC changing at all. It is in the hands of the individual countries and it then becomes a matter between their governments and boards.

"There are six countries playing matches in Zimbabwe and only two where it has become an issue. It's quite reasonable that the public has a view on this matter. It is just an unfortunate part of international affairs.

"Whether it has the effect of tarnishing the tournament, I don't believe it does. Zimbabwe is a full member country of the ICC and we are duty-bound to support each of our full members. There are arguments for and against going into Zimbabwe on a political level and I won't and don't want to go into those.

"I am getting lots and lots of letters but for every argument against there is an argument for. Our position is relatively simple; we have the ability, the confidence and responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the players, the officials and people attending the matches.

"As for the political issues it is obviously a political issue going to Zimbabwe. Equally, we do not have the confidence, ability or mandate to make judgments on that, that is the role of government.

"You have to remember the ICC is a classic international body made up of 85 member countries and they have very diverse political, religious and cultural backgrounds. They will have different views as to the various regimes in various countries."

The ICC reserves the right to change its position only if there is deterioration in the security situation in Zimbabwe, which was deemed satisfactory when an ICC delegation visited the country in November.

"If things have changed we have processes in place that will allow us to change if we need to change right up to the start of the matches," Gray added.