By Arjuna Ranatunga 

The Oracle has spoken at last, not from Delphi but from Sydney. It comes in the form of a verdict of Prime Minister John Howard of Australia that Murali does throw. His verdict had to come sooner or later. Why it did not come sooner is a mystery, probably may be for lack of a proper opportunity. Politicians, the world over, are an obdurate species who feel that they should have the final say on any issue and are obtuse enough to think that their world is sacrosanct. John Howard is no exception. Otherwise it is very difficult to explain why he should express contrary to a decision given by the panel of experts of the ICC that Murali's action is legitimate.

Even the scientifically analysed disclosure that Murali, due to a defect at birth, cannot straighten his elbow is ignored by him. Australian cricketers of the calibre of Allan Border the Chapel brothers; Steven Waugh and Shane Warne, his only rival, have seen no problems in Murali's action and praised his bowling efforts. Apparently, to conclude from John Howard's statement these cricketers do not know what they speak about. One is left to wonder why the ICC did not in the first instance solicit John Howard's opinion. After all Australia leads the rest of the world in both versions of the game of cricket and John Howard leads Australia. What better opinion can the ICC get.

The only point to wonder is why Murali is singled out for this treatment. One in ten of the bowlers around the world have doubtful deliveries and this includes the Australians. Why their bowling action is not subject to the same scrutiny is a mystery. May be because Murali represents a small developing country in the third world which can easily be bettered and bruised.

The supine attitude of the 'Sri Lankan Cricket' administration also defies explanation. These supermen apparently 'see nothing' 'hear nothing' and 'speak nothing'. Perhaps it is safer and more lucrative to adopt this posture which will not deprive them of the expensive junkets abroad at the expense of Sri Lankan cricket. They very well know that it is only by bending before their 'White Masters' that they can pick up the crumbs. One cannot otherwise explain why they cannot pick up the issue of all other bowlers whose deliveries are suspect. Murali has been singled out for censure even when cleared by the ICC experts committee. All other bowlers with suspect actions a carry on regardless. No one has the backbone to question their bowling actions. Not even 'Sri Lanka Cricket'. The Sri Lankan Cricket officials act as if only to prove and confirm that they are fossils who se only concern is self interest.

Finally, a concluding comment about the mighty Howard. It is said that 'fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. It is time that John Howard takes heed of this well known adage and not speak with his foot in his mouth. It can only bring his respected position as Prime Minister of his country into disrepute. This much he owes to his great country. As for Murali, he should ignore these senile remarks and concentrate on his cricket. He should tour Australia with his head held high, conscious of the fact that he is the greatest bowler of the century; and honour bestowed on him by the renowned 'Wisden', the best available authority on cricket.

It's a case of too many cooks and spoilt soup 

By. T.M.K. Samat 

AN outpouring of anger and sympathy over Muttiah Muralitharan's now-forbidden doosra is to be expected here. Not a day passes without someone rising to the defence of the country's famous son. Of course, much of the sentiments are dictated by a sense of patriotism - and so, emotions will outweigh pragmatism.

There's a lot in the issue, though, that sets the blood a racing. Given that English match referee Chris Broad triggered the controversy, the old devil of the black/white divide at once comes into play. That Muralitharan's chief rival in the race for a place in cricket history is Australian Shane Warne doesn't quite help stem the racial innuendos being made, albeit less offensively in public than in private. Anyone denying that the issue is without racial overtones would have spent too long away with the friaries. The ideal world of equality we wish for is still in the making.

One has to only look at the emasculation of Zimbabwe cricket by the black/white devil to remind us that things in the cricket world, too, are anything but perfect, though it has to be said that the rigid adherence to the old colonial traditions set by the game's founding country is a lot less now. After more than a century of white domination, there's greater equality in the ICC. The long-enjoyed veto powers of England and Australia, for instance, is a thing of the past; two Asians, Dalmiya and incumbent Ehsan Mani and West Indian, Clyde Walcott, over the last two decades were appointed president of the ICC - the high office which at one time, by law, could be held only by an Englishman or Australian. As well, Asian membership to the Test-playing club has doubled since the 1980s.

All these changes in a quarter century ought to have pacified ICC's critics. But it hasn't. Probably 25 years is too short a time to rid the suspicion and doubt bred from centuries-long colonial-style governance of cricket? The struggles for independence and the collapse of many iron curtains might have made the world a different place. But old attitudes linger - and not unusually, the cricket world yet resonates of that old thing about capitalists' looking for ''reds under beds": the old black/white devil can never be trusted.

That being in the subconscious, the prohibition of Muralitharan's doosra was always going to be interpreted, rightly or wrongly, in racial terms. As if the job of taking the issue away from that miasma isn't difficult enough, the ICC's task is further complicated by the foolish opinions of heads of states. The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, with rather crude bluntness called the world's most prolific bowler a ''chucker". He is, of course, entitled to his opinion on Muralitharan as an individual, but as prime minister. well, that's nearly as risky as swearing allegiance to Pauline Hanson and her infamous philosophy.

Not surprisingly there were rejoinders to Howard's remarks. Muralitharan himself as good as asked him to mind his own business and confine himself to managing the affairs of his country than talk on things he knows nothing about. Our own prime minister, Mahinda Rajapakse thought he was duty-bound to say his piece: He threatened to drag the ICC to the courthouse. His expressions of loyalty to Muralitharan and Sri Lanka cricket are extremely heartwarming, except that his reaction is more than a touch exaggerated; a bit like wielding a sledgehammer to swat a fly. Since Howard started it all, he probably thinks the doosra ought to be taken at the level of prime ministers. Wednesday he spoke of soliciting support of the governments  of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh _ as if the issue is one that threatens the country's sovereignty. A reminder, sir: this all about the doosra which medical experts say doesn't conform to the ICC's playing rules.

If our prime minister felt obliged to respond to his Australian counterpart, then, he might have taken a leaf off the book of Lakshman Kadirgamar: "Shopping is for sissies". The foreign minister was responding to the Australians' refusal to play in Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup over fears of security, and Warne's fright about being killed by a bomb while shopping. But then Kadirgamar is a man of eloquence - and so must his repartees be.

The Minister of Sport, Jeevan Kumaratunga, not surprisingly, too, jumped on the doosra bandwagon. He wants to resolve the matter directly with the ICC. Just how he hopes to that is unclear. Does he think a friendly pat on Pakistani ICC chief Mani's shoulder and a reminder that ''we Asians must stand together" will win the doosra legitimacy? Someone in the SLC ought to advise the minister that the ICC is not some remote kachcheri where trembling officials will acquiesce to his every request. It's best if minister Kumaratunga leave dealings with the ICC to SLC officials - unless, of course, he can answer to the name of Arjuna Ranatunga, who the cricket world knows very well and will give ear to. But if he thinks his ministerial presence in the august body would sway opinion in Muralitharan's favour, good luck.

Clearly, there are too many who want to clamber aboard the world champion's bandwagon. Whether they want to help themselves to some popularity on the back of Muralitharan's banished doosra or to genuinely support him in his hour of crisis will not be known. But there's a danger that it all could end up like the broth that by too many cooks spoilt. This is all getting a bit too much and it wouldn't be such a bad thing if we dunk our collective heads into a bucket of ice, then sit back and take a long hard look at the facts of the case.

What is an unalterable fact is that the doosra is illegal - a conclusion reached not by ICC officials, but arrived at after comprehensive tests on the off spinners' action by medical specialists in the field of human movement. So, casting aspersions on match referee Broad is pointless - his doubts about the doosra has been confirmed, period. Which makes SLC's written complaint to the ICC on Broad's alleged partiality very stupid, a faux pas that surely will show our cricket administration in poor light.

Rather than make allegations of bias, the SLC might have done better to dwell on the positive aspects of the medical specialists' report. While it confirms that Muralitharan's arm at the point of the doosra-delivery is in breach of the law that allows a five-degree elbow slant, the report also adds that the allowance to spinners is unfair. It questions why a paceman should be permitted a ten-degree bend and a spinner, half that. The report concludes by recommending a thorough review of the present set of rules. The ICC responded by appointing a review committee to study and suggest recommendations.

Obviously, all that is being said with the review committee in sitting is meant to influence public opinion while the committee drafts their recommendations, on which the ICC's final judgement whether to ban or not Muralitharan's doosra. His critics, of course, will remain critical, and there's nothing you can do to shut them up. Happily though, the opposition to the doosra is not universal. The backing the Sri Lankan off spinner has had from the present coach and last captain of the supposed enemy, Australia, is of incalculable value. If anything, we ought to craft an effective public relations campaign that would add to the list of the doosra supporters. Mouthing stupid, ignorant and blindly nationalistic statements isn't the way to get about it. So, if you don't have anything sensible to say, it's better not say anything at all. Leave that job to the experts.

Captains come in all shapes and sizes

Marvan Atapattu has made a quiet start to his period as Sri Lanka's official cricket captain. Not until a man takes entire responsibility for the direction of his team can any assessment be made of his performance and prospects. Till then it is all shadow boxing. Not that the new man has exactly been placed in the crucible of competition. Alas Zimbabwe is sending children into battle in the name of corrupt and cynical elders. A team raised from the Galle Face on a Sunday afternoon could beat them with runs to spare.

Atapattu's uncertain beginning is unsurprising because he is not a natural leader of men. Suddenly it is his voice that is heard before play, at the fall of wickets and in the rooms. Suddenly his every utterance carries significance . he cannot relax even at nightfall and must watch his tongue because even off- the -cuff remarks can echo around the country. Accordingly newcomers are often inclined to feel their way. Apparently two events change a man's life much more than a child and becoming captain of a cricket team. Although the female of the species may not agree, male friends say it is a close run thing between them.

Of course captains come in all shapes and sizes, both literally and temperamentally. Warwick Armstrong - The Big Ship- was an enormous Australian of forceful personality who once started reading a newspaper on the field by way of protest against the slow play of the opposing side. Frank Worrell was a calm fellow who in the heat of battle had the presence of mind. advised his excited fast bowler to avoid no-balls. Yet it was the West Indian who endured a spell when alcohol had the better of him.

Marvan is neither the most dynamic character in his team or its most obvious leader. Kumar Sangakarra has been blessed with an especially distinctive outlook whilst Chaminda Vaas, the experience and commands respect. Somehow, though, Sri Lanka found itself obliged to choose between Hashan Tillerkaratne, a fading older player with dubious attachments, Mahela Jayawardena, a talented batsmen of some accomplishment whose immaturity was exposed by the Australians, and Atapattu.

Rightly the staunch opener was nominated and now the focus must be on helping him find his feet. Sri Lanka cannot be changing captains every five minutes. Part of the secret of Australian cricket is that the position of the national captain is regarded with respect. Only four men have served as official Australian captain in the last twenty years, and the latest appointment might last another decade. Australia also has a properly elected and accountable administration presiding over the game, a boon not universally shared.

Not that Sri Lanka has chopped and changed its leaders. Both Duleep Mendis and Arjuna Ranatunga had long stints in charge. Now they are serving the game in other capacities which is excellent news provided both men conduct themselves with due disinterest. No the least impressive part of Nelson Mandela's leadership was that he did not waste any time settling scores. Nor did he emerge from captivity with any chips on his shoulders. Instead he concentrated upon taking his country in the right direction. Here is the challenge that confronts the rest of us, locked in our little battles and nursing our minor grievances.

Doubtless it helps Atapattu that he has been given a clean slate by those looking into the strange circumstance of money being found in a hotel room he had occupied. At such times one yearns to invite Inspector Poirot to launch one of the probes. Atapattu is no spendthrift and the notion of him leaving money around lacked credibility. A man could spend a lifetime trying to comprehend the ins and outs of Sri Lankan politics. Not the least interesting part of the situation is the extent to which politics and cricket interact in this country. But , then,  pride is at stake in both areas. And money is available.

Most captains find their first year the toughest. Time is needed to adjust to the shock or responsibility. Moreover, a man must also perform on the field or his place falls into peril. Marvan's greatest challenge may be the need to think about his players and not just his own game. But many introverted characters relish leadership precisely because it forces them to emerge from their shells. By the same token many inhibited people come to life upon the stage.

Not until a few years have passed can any judgement be made about the newcomer's leadership skills. Results cannot be the only criteria applied because they depend in part upon the resources available. Ultimately,though, a cricket team reflects its captain so the progress of the side will be watched closely, especially with regard to the spirit of the players and the boldness of the enterprise.

Lions rugby rumble 2004

Going is tough and it certainly is the right time to rally round the Red, Golden, Blue combination to show solidarity towards your alma mater in a pre season get together at the CR & FC hockey grounds.

The date is Saturday  29 May. The ball will be set in motion from 7.30pm onwards. Trinity rugby is undergoing a process of recovery with able guidance from the 'Rugby Scrummage', the entity in charge of administering the game at college. The first move for the current season is happening on 29 May.

As quoted from the immediate past president of the Colombo branch OBA Gotabhaya Dasanayake ' Rugby is Trinity's illicit lover'. This itself is an indication of the depth of concern which revolves around college rugby. A set of die hard dynamic Old Boys spearheaded by Jayantha Jayawardena and Chris Halangoda have provided this opportunity for Trinitians and their families to be a part of this unique get together.

Entertainment for kids will be a part of the agenda, whilst a variety of stalls of food and beverages (at ones preference) are in store. A lot has been talked about as per possible improvements of college rugby by various groups. Time has now come to make your contribution. Be a part of Rugby Rumble 2004 to get first hand information of the pending manoeuvres aimed at resurrecting Trinity rugby.

Entrance ticket is priced at a nominal rate of Rs. 200/- and accompanies a 2004 fixture card as a bonus.

Trinity play the first leg of the Bradby Shield on 07 August (Saturday) at the Royal Rugby grounds while the second leg will be on 21 August (Saturday) at Bogambara. The 50th Trinity - Thomian encounter will be on 3 July at the Pallekele rugby stadium.

For further details contact:

Chris Halangoda (0777 - 784790), Anura Ratnawardena (0714 -734134), Hamza Hassanally (0777 - 755230)

Calling all Trinitians young and old. Be there at the CR & FC Hockey grounds on the 29th of this month to show the true spirit. 'Respice Finem'.

Waidyatilaka creates history  

History was created when the first ever "Advance Technical Officials Course" for masters officials was  ceremonially opened by Kiyoshi Konoike President of Asia Masters Athletics in Bangkok, Thailand on 16 May.

The course director and lecturer was none other than our own P.H.D.Waidyatilaka,Chairman, Technical Committee of Asian Masters Athletics.

.Waidyatilaka  is a highly respected internationally acclaimed IAAF  international technical official and lecturer. He is a member of the Stadia Committee of the World Body ( WMA ) and a founder vice president of the Asian Veteran Athletes Association and current President of Sri Lanka Masters Athletics

Torsten Carlius President of "World Masters Athletics" in a message for the opening ceremony stated:

Now Asia takes the initiative to organise the first Advanced Technical Course for masters officials here in Bangkok and as WMA President I welcome this initiative with very great pleasure. Asia is an important region within the masters movement and as far as I know this initiative is the first ever in our history and it should be followed by many more in all our six regions.

According to reports reaching Colombo,the 3 day course was a tremendous success. The participants from all over Asia and officials of AMA were full of praise for Waidyatilaka for conducting the course in an exemplary manner.

Janashakthi sponsors Murali magic website

Janashakthi Insurance, the fastest growing insurance company in Sri Lanka, has once again come forward to offer their felicitations to their most celebrated staff member, Muttiah Muralitharan. Janashakthi Insurance has on many occasions congratulated Murali when he achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious cricket career and has done so yet again. Janashakthi Insurance has sponsored Murali's official website www.muralimagic.com which will be launched to commemorate Murali becoming the world record holder for the highest number of test wickets in international cricket.