The national cricket selectors yesterday decided to include veteran Sanath Jayasuriya in the Sri Lanka team for the Asia Cup limited overs tournament in Pakistan following the intervention of Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge.

The 38 year old dashing opener was earlier omitted from the original squad of 15 players but the selectors were forced to change their mind and include Jayasuriya after his blistering unbeaten century in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament.

Jayasuriya, a veteran of 411 one day internationals smashed the second fastest century in the IPL tournament for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings with his unbeaten 114 comprising 11 sixes and nine boundaries. In fact, Jayasuriya is the third highest paid player in the IPL earning a staggering US$975,000.

Jayasuriya is the highest run getter for Sri Lanka in this form of game having accumulated a total of 12310 runs from 399 innings at an average of 32.30. He has scored 25 hundreds and 64 half centuries with a highest score of 189 runs. In addition he has captured 308 wickets.

Sri Lanka has been drawn together with Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates in Group A while India , Pakistan and Hong Kong have been included in Group B. The ninth edition of the Asia Cup will start on June 24 but Sri Lanka 's opening fixture will be on the following day against Bangladesh.

The three teams in each group will play each other once with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the second phase, where they will again play each other, once. Karachi will host 10 of the 13 matches while Lahore will host three, and as the event is played in the summer season all matches will be day-night, starting late in the afternoon.

The Sri Lanka team for the Asia Cup

Player/Age/Club/ODI:  Mahela Jayawardena (Captain) 30, SSC, 272,  Kumar Sangakkara (Vice Captain) 30, NCC, 219, Sanath Jayasuriya 38, Bloomfield, 411, Tillekeratne Dilshan 31, Bloomfield, 142, Muttiah Muralitharan 36, Tamil Union, 305,  Chaminda Vaas 34, Colts CC, 315,  Farveez Maharoof 23, NCC, 79,  Dilhara Fernando 28, SSC, 123,  Chamara Silva 28, Bloomfield, 46,  Chamara Kapugedera 21, CCC, 32,  Nuwan Kulasekera 25, Colts CC, 26,  Jehan Mubarak 27, CCC, 28,  Kaushalya Weeraratne 27, Ragama CC, 13, Ajantha Mendis 23, Army SC, 3, Mahela Udawatte 21, Chilaw Marians SC, 3.

Stand bys: Thilina Kandambi, Thilina Thushara Mirando, Prasanna Jayawardane and Malintha Warnapura

CR beat Army  46-21

CR and FC powered their way to score an emphatic 46 points to 21 points victory over Sri Lanka Army Sports Club in their Caltex inter club A division league rugby tournament match worked off at Longden Place on Thursday.

CR and FC ran down as many as seven tries during another superb exhibition of fast, open rugby and converted four of them after having led 29-11 at half time. Army SC responded with three unconverted tries and put over two penalties.

SLTA: A playground of the politicians?

ANY issue emerging from controversial national selection inevitably hits the public forum no sooner than the team is announced. That is the most appropriate time because, should public discourse provide a good case for effecting a change or two, then there's time enough for the Sport Ministry to conduct its own inquiry and, if it so warrants, order changes to the selectors' list.

But to raise selection issues after the competition is over and done with is, well, pretty much bolting the stable door after the animal has hoofed off. A scenario too hilarious to be real?

 Not so, if you've followed the many absurd situations Sri Lanka tennis administration has, of its own volition, got itself into lately, including the manufacturing by a few incumbent officials the postponement of the 2008 elections. More on that later, though.

 This current gaffe, though, looks a candidate for the Joke of the Year Award. It's been well over a month since our Davis Cup squad returned home after doing battle in Iran. The historians since have recorded the results for posterity, the critics, dissected and re-dissected our failure to achieve Group Two promotion - and the 2008 Davis Cup was a closed file.

Sports Ministry's probe

So, the Morning Leader story last Wednesday, of the Sport Ministry initiating a probe into why Artha Hewacottage was not played in the competition was somewhat jarring. Does it really matter who played and who didn't because, as things turned out, our promotion to Group Two was never going to happen anyway - whoever was put on court.

Failure's reason was just the same as it was for the failures in the previous three campaigns: you can't ride to promotion on the back of a solitary player, Harshana Godamanna.

The absence of a second worthy player was again cruelly exposed. So, why is all this fuss made over Hewacottage's non-selection? As the squad's No.4 player, Hewacottage was anyway going to be the last of the selection options, and, it has to be said, the permanent benching of the No.4 in Davis Cup competition is, well, not something that happens as rarely as the sun's eclipse.

As recent as in the 2007 Davis Cup campaign, Sankha Atukorale, the rookie of that squad just as Hewacottage is of this, didn't get a turn on court either. So, again I ask: why this hullabaloo over Hewacottage's exclusion?

Blanket exclusion

It is not difficult to draw conclusion that the Sport Ministry's probe into Hewacottage's blanket exclusion is an over reaction born of ignorance of what is accepted norm in Davis Cup competition, i.e. the inclusion of a No. 4 always remains the last of the compulsions.

That judgment, however, disregards one crucial fact in this case: but for the Sport Ministry's intervention, Hewacottage might not have been in the four-player squad at all - the history of which we'll leave for the time being.

In ordering the probe, the Sport Ministry thus opens itself to accusations of partiality to a player who, after all, is a virtual Ministry nominee. To be fair though, it has to be said that Hewacottage's blanket exclusion has, on the surface at least, reasons to suspect team management bias against him.

Consider the facts:  he was, in fact, the only player of the four in the squad not given a turn on the courts. After all, Sri Lanka figured in as many as 15 matches, 10 singles and five doubles, against five different opponents during the five-day tournament.

Internal experience

And with our Group 2 promotion prospects gone down the tube after the first two ties - against Malaysia and Iran -ably, asking why the teenage rookie wasn't provided the chance to garner some international experience. Fair point, except the campaign wasn't only about promotion - it was also about warding-off demotion to Group 4.

At end of Day 2, after defeat at the hands of Malaysia and the host-nation, the prospects of relegation had become very real. And the priority over the remaining three days was to battle against demotion. For that Sri Lanka would have to win all of its last three matches - v. Tajikistan, UAE and Vietnam. Conceding one of the last three ties might have meant enduring the ultimate shame of Group 4 relegation.

The player-priority list, by the way, was decided well before the competition and read thus: (1) Godamanna, (2) Rajiv Rajapakse, (3) Dinusha Weerasuriya, and (4) Hewacottage. What this prioritising, in real terms, means is, Godamanna and Rajapakse would do duty in as many ties as possible, if not all.

Unassailable

In other words, the services of Weerasuriya or Hewacottage would be called on only in the event (1) of injuries to Nos. 1 or two; or (2) both singles in a tie are won, an unbeatable 2/0 lead obtained, which then, presents the opportunity to invite rookies Nos.3 or four, or both, to court in the tie's last match.     

Option No.2 did present itself just once, in Tie 3 versus Tajikistan, when Godamanna and Rajapakse won their respective singles matches and gave Sri Lanka an unassailable 2/0 lead. Duly, No.3 Weerasuriya was called on to partner Rajapakse in the inconsequential doubles, which was conceded, 6/7, 4/6 - due largely to the rookie's lack of experience at the top level.

Thus it made sense to not experiment with either of the two teenagers in the remaining two ties and instead rely solely on the services of the experienced Godamanna and Rajapakse, remembering that each set won or conceded was going to count in deciding which two teams take the down-trip.

The decision to persist with only the experienced Nos.1 and 2 decision paid dividends with Sri Lanka overcoming UAE, 3/0, and Vietnam, 2/1 - and so, ensuring life in Group Three for a fourth successive year. UAE and Vietnam were consigned to the cellar; Pakistan and Malaysia enjoy life in Group Two.

Flagrant violation

If the Sport Ministry were unaware of the ramifications behind the selections, it is only because the Manager's Report wasn't prepared even a month after the competition - a flagrant violation of the requirement of a manager to furnish his report within 10 days of tour's end. Had that been done, the SLTA might have been spared the embarrassment of being hauled up before a ministerial inquiry over selections.

But this isn't the first time the SLTA has been put on the Ministry carpet. In fact, the Hewacottage selection controversy itself was born of SLTA bungling - ordering a second selection trial after long maintaining that the Davis Cup squad will be chosen after one trial in January  - well, not quite the final four-player squad.

A brief explaining is necessary. Weerasuriya and Hewacottage emerged Nos. 1 and 2 from among the six that figured in the January trials - and qualified to play in a second trial against Franklyn Emmanuel and Oshada Wijemanne, US-based players who were supposed to fly down for the second trials in Colombo.

But both didn't turn up, which prompted the selectors to ask the SLTA to conduct another trial among the Colombo players before they name the final Davis Cup squad. The selectors' request, it has to acknowledged, made good sense - except that Hewacottage was unwilling to risk his second-place finish at the January trial.

Accusations of self interest

He refused to play another trial. He argued that (1) It isn't his fault the two US-based players didn't turn up for matches he was prepared to play; (2) No prior notice was given that a second trial among Colombo players would be staged before the final selections, and hence (3) the outcome of the January trial should be valid for selections - in other words, that he has already earned his place in the squad.

Of course, accusations of self-interest can be levelled against Hewacottage, especially as the No.3 finisher in the January trials, Gayanga Weerasekera, had shown exceptional form around that time, winning the ITF under 18 Singles title in late February.

But there was no denying that Hewacottage's case stood on firm legal ground. This is why the SLTA was pretty much defenseless when the Hewacottage issue first came before the Sport Ministry in March. Clearly, the SLTA's decisions leading up to Davis Cup selections were flawed, which is why Hewacottage's refusal to figure in the second trial - and not risk his place in the squad - got a sympathetic hearing of the Sport Ministry.

Irrelevant issues

But what is more puzzling is why the Sport Ministry should delve into old, irrelevant issues when it has on its hands more crucial ones concerning the future of tennis -like the 2008 AGM, postponed indefinitely by the ministry days before the scheduled date.

It will be recalled that a contest between incumbent Janaka Bogollagama's team and Suresh Subramaniam's nominees was on the cards of March 29 AGM - an old story too well-known to require repetition here.

The postponement, however, took the tennis fraternity by surprise simply because there was no apparent reason for such a drastic move by the ministry. The ministry's reason for the postponement was that it wanted time to check the voting eligibility of some "inactive" clubs, perceived to be loyalists of those challenging the sitting members.

Opponents of the incumbent administration say a different story: the present officials didn't have the numbers to win another term and so made out a case to the ministry for an indefinite postponement of the AGM with designs of prolonging their stay for another year.

Lame duck

Be that as it may, this much is certain: the present administration is a lame duck. The continuing Davis Cup selection fiasco is just one example of the administration's ineptitude.

There's disarray, too, in the area of sponsorship. The many advertising billboards that decorated the Green Path Tennis Complex are disappearing, costing Sri Lanka tennis millions of rupees - all due to an apparent disinterest in persuading sponsors to renew contracts.

But some insiders say they aren't surprised by the administration's indifference, citing a sense of their resignation at the disappearance of over month of the CEO, Col. (retd.) Chris de Silva - followed by his sudden resignation, last Wednesday, from far-away US. 

That Col. de Silva was not going to be in SLTA employment for even a year was probably tennis' worst kept secret. He had, in fact, confided in more than one official that his service was not going to be more than a few months.

Restricted commitment

Then, the question to ask those responsible for his appointment is why de Silva was recruited in the first place, given his restricted commitment. To appoint someone temporarily to what is unquestionably the most crucial job in the administration is, to say the least, a serious lapse of judgement.

With the Sport Ministry in choosing to ignore issues having graver bearings on the future of Sri Lanka tennis, like keeping the 2008 AGM in abeyance or  the out-of-the-blue resignation of the CEO, and instead choosing to nitpick over why one player was not given turn on court a month ago is most surprising. Any notions that the Sport Ministry is biased in favour of the Bogollagama administration can't be cast aside as wild imaginings.

Lokuge and Bogollagama, all know, are household names in our world of politics. So, it's not a far-fetched thought that Sri Lanka tennis might have become a victim of a political favour extended to the SLTA President by the Minister, both political buddies. The hardboiled cynics, though, might laughingly chaff: "don't waste your column inches trying to explain the obvious. politicians' stock in trade is favours, granting, receiving and surviving - that's a fact of our times."

Kandy SC clash with Police

By Hafiz Marikar 

Defending league champions Kandy Sports Club, will come out for the first time in Kandy against the Sri Lanka Police S.C. Though this is the third game for Kandy SC, both the earlier games were played in Colombo.

So, today's kick of will be at 4.30  p.m, Kandy SC who played Old Zahirians SC and Sri Lanka Air Force SC, won both the games, while the Cops who beat the CH & FC in the first game lost to CR & FC in the last outing.

If the Policemen are to win this match they will have to play flawless rugby, mindful of the Kandy S.C's sides ability to play the high ball to maximum benefit.

I would say that the Kandy S.C's cover defence is the best seen this season. A marked characteristic is that there is a backup brigade of at least three forwards when their outsides are going up to tackle. This, if they hope to retain possession. Sean Wijesinghe's forwards will have to run in constant support of their backs.

The Kandy SC forwards are a formidable lot playing together for years and good in their rucking and driving.

Kandy SC skipper Sean Wijesinghe who has proved to be an inspiring leader and a fearless fighter will look up to his speedy three quarters to use the good ball that comes their way. Scrum half Saliya Kumara is quick in spotting the gaps and working the "threes" whenever the occasion arises. He with Fisal makes a fine halves combination. The country's fastest wing-three-quarter Sanjeewa Jayasinghe is there to give the scoring touchups. Radika Hettiarchchi who is playing at his best will man the last line of defence.

Kandy SC's forwards are a fighting lot with experienced, Jeewa Galgamuwa, Anuranga Walpola, Senaka Bandara, Sumedha Jayasinghe, skipper Sean Wijesinghe, Dilip Slevam and the fleet footed Imran Bistamin as No. 8

Policemen who are riding high, with two good performances, will be playing the best side, and will go all out to prove their power, a win for them is out of bounce, but they are sure to play a good game of rugby.

Kandy SC - will pick from the following:- (Forwards) - Jeewa Galgamuwa, Anuranganba Walpola, Piumal Manchanayake, Aravinda Udangmuwa, Senaka Bandara, Sumedha Jayasinghe, Sean Wijesinghe Dilip Selvan, Buddhi Talagampola, Imran Bastamin, (Backs) - Saliya Kumara, Prasad Chaturanga, Fazil Marija, Pradeep Liyanage, Sajith Mallikarachchi, Sameera Silva, Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Danushka Pushpakumara, Radhika Hettiarchchi, Eranda Weerakkody, Radhika Hettiarchchi.

  Sri Lanka Police - (Forwards) - Nishantha Walegedera, Malith Hettiarchchi, Mohamed Nizam, Pradeep Wilson, Nalin Archirige, G.B. Gonawala, Nilusha Fernando (Capt) Asyhan Dias, (Backs) - Milina Bandara, Harshana Wijeweera, Hasith Nilanga, Chula Susantha, Priyantha Ekanayake, Champika Thushara, Jeevan Amaradasa.

CCC School of Cricket to defend "Pepsi Cup" in Bangalore

The popular 'All India Pepsi Cup Cricket tournament which is held for the XXIInd (Twenty second) successive year will be held in Bangalore, India from May 21 - 31.

The Organisers, the famous Imtiaz Ahmed Cricket Academy, Bangalore, have once again exclusively invited CCC School of Cricket to participate in the Tournament from Sri Lanka.

CCC School of Cricket, under the direction of veteran Coach Nelson Mendis, will be sending their Under 13 and Under 11 teams for the tournament, while the U-13 Team will be defending the Championship won during the last two years. The U-11 team will be participating for the first time in the series, to gain experience and test their strength against foreign opposition.

The tournament, which is open for U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and open category is by invitation, and many cricket playing cities in India - Viz Bombay, Kolkatta, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore to name a few, will be participating in this two -weeks long tournament.

CCC School of Cricket, who have been participating in this tournament for the last six years have done creditably well to win the U-13 championship for the last two years. They won the title in 2006 and 2007, and created history as the first Sri Lankan Cricket Academy to win honours in an open tournament on foreign soil. Last year, apart from winning the Championship, CCC player Imal Liyanage won the Man of the Final and Man of the series Awards.

This year the CCC Under 13 team will be led by Danush Peiris a dashing all-rounder from S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, who is a brilliant right hand opening batsman, who last week blasted an unbeaten century with 12 sixers to his credit with five of them coming in five successive balls against Mahanama College in a practice game. Peiris is also the opening bowler of the side with his R/Arm swing bowling and is quite fast, too. A knowledgeable leader who also has a positive approach.