No joking, we've got seven of 'em

By T.M.K. Samat 

THE numbers add up to confusion. When two minds can rarely share one view on almost anything, heaven knows how seven can agree on, of all things, the composition of the Sri Lanka national cricket team, ever a debatable thing.

The expansion of the selection panel to seven, from last term's four, so stupefies the senses that, honestly, you can't help but laugh, as did Arjuna Ranatunga, one never given to flippancy in matters of cricket. But he couldn't desist from making a joke of it. He as good as asked why stop at seven _ ''pick four more and have a cricket team of selectors." He might have taken the joke a step further and pointed out that the ratio of one selector to each player would give us another world record.

Cricket selection is not about ratios, but about serious debate before decisions are taken. So, if the sort of numbers Ranatunga jokes about sit down to cross- talk their way through to a Sri Lanka eleven, the atmosphere is likely to be. well, a fish market would be a quieter place. The Sport Ministry's number of seven won't assure tranquility behind those closed doors, either. And it would be advisable if the SLC hierarchy forbids taking chinaware into selectors' meeting room, and use instead lightweight plastics to bear their refreshments - lest they be used as missiles should unyielding verbal duels let free the beast in man. After all there's the 1999 precedent when those beasts ran loose at the AGM, no less. If all this sounds hilariously absurd, it's because a seven-man selection panel is just that. hilariously absurd.

Cricket administrators, in the past, have taken quite some extraordinary decisions. But to be fair the seven-selector idea is not one entirely of their making. The SLC, in fact, recommended a five-member committee (Kaluperuma, Wickremasinghe, Madurasinghe,  Arunasiri and de Silva) to the Sport Minister, as the Sport Laws require it to do. If SLC was hoping the ministry would rubberstamp its list of selectors, they were knocking on the wrong door. A better set of names, admittedly, could've been nominated by SLC. But that wasn't the grouse of ministry officials - apparently it was the absence of certain names from the list that irked ministry officials.

That is how the Sport Ministry came to add Asantha de Mel, K M Nelson and Shabir Asgerally to the panel. It then logically follows that three from SLC's five nominations would have to be deleted. No so, only Ashley de Silva was struck off. What this says is, once the ministry's men were inserted, the inevitable difficulties that would accrue from an oversized selection panel were of no concern. It's a classic example of the way a politician resolves a problem. 

Of course, the politicians backing the ministry's names will never be publicly admitted. But de Mel's affiliation to a powerful politician isn't exactly a well-kept secret, though, whether that relationship clinched the job for him will never be confessed. But de Mel is of value, being one-time Test player, selector and interim committee member.

This much, however, is certain: de Mel and Nelson are known loyalists of the Dharamadasas while Asgerally played for Bloomfield, whose long-time president has been Jayantha Dharmadasa. All this gives another dimension to having seven selectors thrust into the panel.

No one needs to be reminded of the old enmity between Thilanga Sumathipala and the Dharmadasas _ a rivalry that hasn't quite run out its course as yet. Reasons for their fall out are too well known; suffice though to mention that Upali Dharamadasa's questioning of the missing millions from a television deal during Sumathipala's first term as board president and subsequently, Jayantha Dharamdasa's failed challenge to oust Sumathipala put beyond hope a possible smoking of the peace pipe.

Sumathipala is, of course, no longer head of SLC, but his influence over the administration hasn't diminished, thanks to his uncanny ability to prepare for any eventuality, a gift his backers use to tout him as 'a man with vision". His obsession is so deep that he made sure his power would remain unimpaired even if he didn't sit on the throne - ensuring future regimes would be manned by his loyalists. Sumathipala might be languishing in remand jail, but anyone who believes he doesn't have a say in cricket administration would have spent a long time away with the Eskimos.

The point to be made here is that SLC remains Sumathipala's den. So what has that to do with a seven-man selection committee? Much. A sport minister of barely two months, which Jeevan Kumaratunga is, would normally have, one thinks, not changed SLC's nominations given that he hasn't yet quite settled in his new job. For that matter even sport ministers longer in the job don't red-pencil recommendations of controlling bodies - unless, of course, political pressure is brought to bear.

Sumathipala's association with the previous government wasn't going to pass unnoticed by the new regime. It has demanded his resignation from Telecom. Asking for the removal of his links with SLC, an independent elected body, is, however, not so straightforward: the link is invisible as it is via his loyalists, all elected. It was popularly believed the new government would've dissolved the Sumathipala-controlled SLC and installed an interim committee. But the ''visionary" didn't seek re-election at the 2004 AGM in late March. That made the dissolution of the SLC a more complicated job. Besides, given the many other pressing problems on its hands, the government is not likely to contemplate dissolution for the moment. But the longer it takes, greater the danger that public disenchantment would become entrenched, as it did during the two years of the UNF. 

Sumathipala's continuance as SLC chief despite mounting evidence of his alleged infringements of the land's laws and the UNF's nonchalant silence on the issue might not have directly influenced for UNF's routing at the polls. But it didn't help salvage its declining popularity, either. The present minority government hasn't too much of public popularity either, and so can't afford to lose any. Any impression that the Sumathiapla influence on the SLC is being allowed to continue will sooner or later erode the public's acceptability of the government.

So, how is the seven-selector formula going to help government remove the Sumathipala influence from the SLC? Though on the face of it, selectors and administrations are two different entities, constitutionally, there are links: the chairman of selectors, in this case Asantha de Mel, automatically becomes a member of the executive committee. de Mel's presence in the decision-making body of the SLC means that there will be an opposing voice; in other words, a dent will be made on the Sumathipala's power machine. Sure, de Mel's presence won't prevent the ex-co from doing what it wants, but at least a different view will be aired and inevitably be made public -  far better than acceptance of unopposed decisions. A case in point is the recruitment of an Australian as coach of the Sri Lanka A team, a decision that too many SLC officials haven't even heard about. Needles to say, top local coaches, the likes of D S de Silva, Hathurasinghe and Devapriya, are livid.

Had de Mel been on the executive committee at the time, the Australian's appointment would anyway have been made. But at least there would've scope for better transparency; and not a decision thrust before the rest for acceptance, like it or not. The seven selectors might, after all, not be a bad joke.

Frankie goes to Europe

A door of opportunity has opened to Franklin Emmanuel. The talented 16-year-old national champion and Davis Cup representative has been chosen to represent the ITF in a series of junior events in Italy and France this month. 

Royalist Emmanuel is one of only five juniors from Asia/Oceania chosen to be a member of ITF's touring team. His selection was earned by outstanding performances at this year's senior and junior Davis Cup competitions. The schoolboy played an influential role in Sri Lanka's promotion-winning performance in the 11-nation senior Davis Cup tournament in Jordan, winning all but one of his matches. In the junior event in Colombo, he again dropped only one of his five matches as Sri Lanka finished fifth, out of 15 nations.

Emmanuel will play two tournaments in Italy (at Bologna and Milano) after which he will play in three events in France (La Baule, Le Pontet and Paris). 

All of Emmanuel's expenses on tour will be borne by the ITF. It is one of many schemes of the world body to develop junior tennis worldwide, financed by the Grand Slam Development Fund. And it aims to help and encourage talented players to graduate, eventually, to the professional ranks.

''It is a great opportunity for Frankie, and being a talented and dedicated youngster, I am sure, he will take full advantage of it. Sri Lankans playing in European tournaments, after all, isn't something that happens often. Many established present-day professionals have been members of the ITF touring team in the past. We hope Frankie follows their footsteps," said SLTA President, Suresh Subramaniam. 

Among the list of past ITF touring team members are, Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand, ranked 12th in the world, Grand Slam doubles winners Leander Paes and Bhupathi of India and Moroccan Younis El Aynaori, slayer of a few present-day giants.

Boost for Visakha mini tennis

The Sri Lanka Tennis Association presented mini tennis rackets and mini tennis balls to Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo for the development of their mini tennis programme recently. The Chief Exceutive Officer of the SLTA,  Lionel Almeida expressed optimism about the development of mini tennis in Sri Lanka and stated that the future stars of Sri Lanka tennis are in the lands of school children .

The teacher-in-charge, Samitha Atukorale assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure the development of the sport at Visaka.

The SLTA mini tennis programme which is conducted in schools in nine regions of the island for under 8 children, under the guidance of the National Coordinator, Dinith Pathiraja.

Man's nature has not changed

Cricketers are neither better nor worse than anyone else. Not before time the idea that sportsmen are superior to the common herd has been abandoned. If anything the reaction against has been too strong. An impression has been created in adult minds that sportsmen have become vain and greedy and a poor comparison with those of yesteryear. yet the past was not without its faults and the present is not without its glories. Indeed its hard to believe that past and present are nearly as far apart as supposed after all man's nature has not changed in the interim.

In some respects the disregard for contemporary sportsmen is unsurprising. Modern athletes are subjected to a scrutiny otherwise reserved for Hollywood stars and seasoned politicians. The heroes of previous generations had an easier time. By and large their foibles were swept under the carpet. Sport was a fantasy, an entertainment, an escape. Players were heroes in comic books, forever defying the odds or riding to the rescue. Supporters had all the reality they needed in the queues at the unemployment exchange.

Not until biographies were written decades later were champions reduced to flesh and blood whereupon it was revealed that Percy Chapman was a drinker, Wally Hammond contracted various diseases and C.B.Fry had a cruel wife. And that's the cream of the English crop. Even Don Bradman had his ways. In other words they were men apart only upon the field.

Cricket has been a more approachable game since it stopped affecting an illusion of superiority created by Victorian educators seeking to instil in boys the qualities needed to stand firm in the siege of Kanpur. Not that the attempt to inspire the courage and honour of youth through sport was without merit. Boys were taught to accept the umpires decision and to congratulate opponents on their performances. Schoolboys failing to walk after an edge were punished because for putting themselves above the game. But it did not work. Off the field those players were the same as everyone else.

Of course the past was flawed. Of course the present has its corruptions and cynicism.. Indeed sport has barely survived its rigorous examination. No-one reading Werner Reiterer's book about drug taking amongst top discuss throwers will ever again see the Olympics in the same light as other sports have been affected by bookmaking scandals, drugs, extramarital affairs, tawdry phone calls, training camp shenanigans and numerous tales of seedy events away from home. Even ice-skating could not avoid the cutting of the throats. As Mr. Dylan has observed " Money doesn't talk, it swears." But it is not only the money, it is also the desperate desire to win and a sense that the rest are cheating .

Off the field, too, sportsmen seem to have shrivelled. Times changed and the idea of public and private life was abandoned. An eagerness for revelation has developed , reflected in the spread of reality television and other voyeurisms. Scandal sheets attract readers with colourful tales about the indiscretions of famous men. Even experienced cricketers have fallen foul of " reporters" in search of a story or a pay-day.

But the condemnation of modern athletes has gone too far. Players continue to rise above themselves. Every Australian remembers its champion athlete stopping in the middle of a crucial race to assist a fallen opponent before carrying on to win the race. Yet this act was surpassed in a crucial match in the rugby world cup by a prop forward from New Zealand who stopped pushing because he heard an opponent cry out that his neck had been hurt.

Never mind that New Zealand and Australia are supposed to be bitter enemies. Never mind that the All Blacks were losing the match. Never mind that the defeat cost the coach his position. Never mind that New Zealand mourned the loss. The Australian was forced to retire but he can still walk.

Cricket followers remember Adam Gilchrist giving himself out in the semi-finals of their world cup. A dodo flying across the field it could have provoked as much astonishment.. Gilchrist was nonplussed by the response to his gesture. Downunder it was front page news. Even Australians want to be like that.

Golf and tennis remain courteous games whilst soccer players routinely kick the ball out when an opponent is stricken. Many sportsmen help the underdog. Brett Lee assists depressed youngsters, Steve Waugh has his Indian charity and Glenn Mcgrath has been involved with breast cancer since his wife was diagnosed as a victim. Many others around the world play their parts.

Sport has taken several steps forward and as many steps back. Money has poured in but past champions were sometimes found sleeping on park benches. Ointments are rubbed into cricket balls but they used to pick the seam .Players misbehave off the field but , then, they always did.

The LG Abans Sirasa Guvan Bicycle Race 

Abans, the company which is synonymous with world's best brands in electronics and household appliances, has come forward to be the exclusive sponsor of the LG Abans Sirasa Guvan Bicycle Race being conducted by the Sri Lankan Air Force. The race is to be run in two laps on two days June 5 and 6.

The starting point of the race will be the Air Force Headquarters in Colombo at around 7.00 a.m. The route will wind through many areas where Abans showrooms are present, passing Miriswatte, Yakkala, Nittambuwa, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Kadugannawa, Katugastota, Akurana, Matale, Nalanda and finish at Dambulla on the first day. The first lap extends to 193 kms. On the second day, the peddlers will begin the 117 km long second lap from Dambulla at 8.00 a.m. and they will proceed through Madatugama, Kekirawa, Maradankadawela, Ganewalpola, Palugaswewa, Habarana, Moragaswewa, Mineriya, Giritale, Polonaruwa and via Giritale to the finish at the Hingurakgoda Gam Udawa

While the final winners will receive cash awards worth over Rs. 100,000, cash prizes worth Rs.1000 will also be given to the first cyclist to pass select Abans showrooms. What's more, three bicycles will also be given through a raffle draw to be conducted at a gala musical show to be conducted on June 5.

LG, whose products are brought to Sri Lanka by Abans, was the main sponsor of the. ICC Cricket World Cup held last year. LG, will also be the main sponsor for the next World Cup to be held in 2007 as well as the Junior World Cup.

Victoria's monthly medal and Lectra Grand Prix 

Harin Udeshi with a net 67 (on a count back) and Ina Rassmussen (net 70) emerged the men's and the ladies division winners respectively at the May Monthly Medal conducted by the picturesque Victoria Golf and Country Resort, Rajawela, recently. Niloo Jayatilaka showed her prowess with the golf stick winning four titles in the May Monthly Medal and the Lectra Grand Prix 2003-2004. She won the ladies nearest to the pin and the longest drive contest at the Monthly Medal and also pocketed the Lectra Grand Prix with 528 points to head the top five finishers list. 

Results

May Monthly Medal

Men's Division: Winner - Harin Udeshi (Nett. 67) (on a count back)

Ladies Division: Winner - Ina Rassmussen (Nett. 70)

Junior Division: Winner - Chamil Wickremasinghe (Nett. 67)

Mini Junior Division: Winner - Maleena Awn

Nearest to the Pin - Ladies: Niloo Jayatilake

Longest Drive - Ladies: Niloo Jayatilake

Hole in One -

Lectra Grand Prix Prizes

Ladies: Winner - Niloo Jayatilake (528 points), Runner Up - Suven Selvaratnam (492 points)

Top Five Finishers: Niloo Jayatilake (528 points), Suven Selvaratnam (492 points), Indira Tibblin (399 points), Chaturi Engman (276 points), Roshini Sangani (216 points)

Division 2 B: Winner - Chamil Wickremasinghe (1059 points), Runner Up - Ananda Manawadu (765 points)

Top Ten Finishers: Chamil Wickremasinghe (1059 points), Ananda Manawadu (765 points), Veinert Holm (672 points), Poul Rasmussen (660 points), Sampath Hemachandra (655 points), Sidath Hemachandra (620 points), Peter Bright (543 points), Majid Awn (479 points), Mike Emmott (422 points), Alex Perera (376 points)

Division 1: Winner - Binupa Wijesinghe (1327 points), Runner Up - Sam Gunaratne (942 points)

Top Ten Finishers: Binupa Wijesinghe (1327 points), Sam Gunaratne (942 points), Sahil Malhotra (772 points), Sidath Wettimuny (759 points), Sanjay Wettimuny (646 points), Srinivas Rao (445 points), Tony Whitham (332 points), Mervin Hettiarachchi (330 points), Sirath Kasturiratne (292 points), Suhyab Sangani (249 points)

Lectra Customer Award: Ladies - Roshini Sangani

Lectra Customer Award: Gentlemen - Sidath Wettimuny

Lectra Best Nett Score for the Day: Shervin Arsekularatne