The big flop: Don't blame it all on mahela's men

THESE are despairing times for Mahela Jayewardene's team. It wasn't so long ago when the cricketing world regarded Sri Lanka as about the toughest opponent to overcome on their home shores. The records said so, too.

After all, Sri Lanka had won just about every ODI series and tournament at home since its 1996 World Cup triumph. Its list of conquests at home included Australia, South Africa and India; as well it shared the ICC Champion's Trophy with India in 2003 and won the Asia Cup in 2004. In the decade following 1996, Sri Lanka conceded just four ODI series it hosted: in 1998 (in a triangular with NZ and India), 2003 (triangular with NZ and Pakistan), 2004 (to Australia, 2/3) and 2005 (Pakistan 0/2).

By any measure, losing four of the 17 ODI series at home over nearly a decade is a commendable. Only teams of formidable strength and enduring consistency can manage that sort of record. So, when over the past 12-14 months, Sri Lanka concede all of its three home series (twice over the last six months to India and to England in Dec.2007) there's inevitably going to be much gnashing of teeth by the team's followers and  gloom 'n doom sketching by critics.

Emotional reactions

These might mostly be emotional reactions, but, it has to be said that the fears over the erosion of our near-perfect home record is not without genuine reason. Losing three consecutive home series can't be waved away as, well, a bad day in the office. Obviously, there are reasons why Jayewardene's men fail in home conditions - and whether the root of this newly-afflicted incapability is mental or technical is for a psychologist or coach Trevor Bayliss to find out.

No body needs to tell you that our cricket is in some sort of trouble, requiring remedial measures. Sweeping doom's day conclusions, however, isn't one of the measures because they can only go to aggravate the problem and convert it into a grave crisis. So, hasty condemnations and judgments are best reserved at this point in time.

This is not to make apologies for the failure of Jayewardene's men in the ongoing series. To be sure, it ranks as the worse home series loss, so bad that the final two games in the five-match series is now of no relevance as a contest. The two previous series, also of five matches, were conceded in the fourth match. The eventual margin of both previous series, however, was a dignified 2/3 (favouring England and India last year).

Fourth encounter

With the fourth encounter too going the same way of the previous three, a whitewash for Jayewardene's team has become a dreadful prospect. If that happens, Jayewardene's critics will no doubt have a field day. And, of course, there's a lot to criticise about any team whitewashed. Sure, our team was a shadow of the one that routed Pakistan the fortnight before. Apart from the second encounter, which was conceded by 15 runs, the other three were lost by a mile. 

So, there are a lot of cudgels to bring down on Jayewardene's team. But let's see things with calmer minds: Face it; no team loses of its own volition, nor is the big bucks of IPL a defeating-distraction while in battle; rather, you lose only because the opposition is superior, period. You have to be congenitally biased if you consider India a so-so team. Or an amnesiac to fail to remember the 5/0 whipping they handed England only last December and their triumph over Australia in the C.B. Series about a year ago. No less successful were the Indians in the Test arena, overcoming Australia and England over the 12-14 months.

Test world ranking

Currently, Dhoni's team is third in the ODI and Test world ranking, with the No.1 slot in both well within their grasp. So, to concede a home series to India is no disgrace, just as losing on home shores to the Australians during the peak of their powers wasn't.

Anyway you look at this Indian outfit, there's hardly a flaw. Said simply, they have world class batsmen and bowlers - fitted together into a fine-tuned machine; cricket's Rolls Royce, if you like. As well, they have a store-full of spare parts to fall back on, meaning replacement-players. It is a reflection of their depth of talent that players who not long ago were heralded as "stars" somehow seem to have disappeared - the likes of Murali and Dinesh Karthik, R. P. Singh. too many to recall. At the same time, new names like Ravindra Jadeja and Balaji appear in the current squad.

This can suggest only one thing: India manages its talent systematically. In other words, it has a well-structured system that ensures the deserving talent finds itself into reckoning for national selection.

A vast reservoir of players 

Sri Lanka's geography, of course, makes it impossible to have a structure like India's, where talent is exposed in competitions all the way through from junior, to state, to inter-state and finally inter-zonal matches. There's no way good players go undetected; a vast reservoir of players, so, becomes available to Indian cricket.

Sri Lanka's is a caricature of India's picking ground. It will be argued, however, that Sri Lanka's school-to club-to national team passage has won it the World Cup and many a Test series and, as the Americans would say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. What this means is Sri Lanka cricket, by and large, stays Colombo based, which probably explains why the turnover of players in our national team, as compared with India, has been pretty much as frequent as the eclipse; why a near-40 year old remains indispensable. And why it is said, albeit in mirth, that it's more difficult to be excluded than be included in the national team.

That talent abounds

Numbers, though, don't guarantee success, as little Sri Lanka has proved. What an island that produces a world champion team, a world record holder, Test cricket's highest total and dozens of other significant achievements says is that talent, like its flora, abounds. The question to ask, thus, is the talent managed effectively or come-what-may.

Let's be frank: the ghastly failure in the present series didn't fall upon us from the sky. Signs of decline were evident from some time back, conceding two years ago an ODI series to the West Indies and England and an undistinguished exit from the ODI triangular in Australia in 2007 ( having qualified for the final of the same event two years before).

Of late, the signs of decline were made even clearer by the struggles in Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, no matter on difficult pitches. The success over Pakistan a fortnight ago, in the light of the subsequent thrashing handed by India, must be disregarded as evidence of a revival.

As good as the system

It is easy to place the blame at the door of the team. But then the team can only be as good as the system. You don't have to be exceptionally intelligent to know the system is the product of the administration - and when the administration keeps changing as frequently as ours has (presently there's none, unless you accept one government official as a whole Board) then, the cricket administration functions pretty much willy-nilly.

The scramble to get on board the cricket bandwagon post-1996 is an old story. Suffice to say that as a consequence of the many notorious melees to enter cricket officialdom, cricket administration was up to its nostrils in politics. In this situation, the game itself and the developmental aspects weren't given quite the focus it deserves.

It was as if, the cricketers and the administrators resided in two different compartments - the former playing the game on the field and the latter, engaged in their own game in the sleazy world of politics.

Against that backdrop, the appointment of World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga as chief of cricket seemed a breath of fresh air. Cricket and cricketers, we thought, would get top priority.   Rather, the familiar controversies continued to plague the game - and he too was removed. And, like some previous dismissed cricket chiefs did, Ranatunga too has presented his case in courts. It's got all messy again.

Yes, blame has to be laid at the door of Jayewardene's team for failures on the field. But then this is a case of afflictions at the top infecting the other levels.

Shuttle Foundation comes in for criticism

By Lal Gunesekera

The Sri Lanka Badminton Foundation (SLRFU) has come in for quite a lot of criticism for some time, but now, the founder Executive Secretary of this body, Colvin L. de Silva, has written to the Minister of Sports and Public Recreation, Gamini Lokuge, as well as the Chairman of the Interim Committee for the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA), Professor Ranjith de Silva, to "Save the Badminton administration in the country from the depths it has fallen" and also "rescue the Foundation from the disgrace it has been manipulated into by fraudulent means."

The Sri Lanka Banminton Foundation was created on February 16, 1988 by the late Minister Lalith Athulathmudali, who was also the President of the SLBA at that time. Colvin L. de Silva, was not only the Executive Secretary of the SLBF, but also a former. Secretary Vice-President and President of the SLBA.

De Silva states in his letter to Minister Lokuge, that the majority of past badminton champions are of the view that the Foundation had been "administered" for personal gains rather them for the purpose for which it was created.

He states that there is a total lack of transparency in relation to financial transactions, non-publication of professionally audited statements of annual accounts which is a requirement of the Foundation's constitution, not conducting annual general meetings etc. De Silva requests Minister Lokuge and Professor Ranjith de Silva, to summon a meeting of all the "Settlers" of the Foundation, who are empowered to appoint Trustees to the Foundation, and appoint a new set of Trustees so that Badminton in Sri Lanka will benefit and "put the administration of the SLBF in good order." He further states in his letter that if suitable action is not initiated by the "Settlers," that the matter be taken up with the Minister of Sports, Gamini Lokuge.

Illyaz sends clarification

A clarification has been sent by Rizly Illyaz regarding the article titled "Illegal AGM of SLRFU called by Rixly Illyaz" in The Sunday Leader of February 1.

The letter by Illyaz clearly states that only six members of the council were present at the Council meeting on January 16, apart from four others representing the Referees "Association, Universities, Colombo Clubs and UP-Country.

The meeting had got underway at 6.30 p.m. and Illyaz had left at around 7.30 p.m. to attend a family function.

He states that Asanga Seneviratne had phoned him (Illyaz) stating that the Council had decided to appoint him (Illyaz) as Secretary to carry out his functions for the February 21 AGM. Illyaz further states that he obtained legal opinion from the SLRFU lawyers, and he (Illyaz) went ahead with the necessary notices relevant to the AGM as per the SLRFU Constitution.

"The dissolution of the SLRFU was only received by the Sports Ministry Secretary, Asanga Seneviratne  on January 26 though the letter was dated January 22 and it could not be understood why this letter was not served on the  same day," States Illyaz.

Note: The writer of the said article on February 1, had kindly requested Illyaz to refer to page 12 of the SLRFU Constitution Rule 7 where it states that any vacancy occurring in the office of the President, Vice-President and Treasurer shall be filled at a general meeting of the SLRFU.

A handful of people is not the Union  Illyaz. Read the constitution and don't send biryani sawans. This subject is closed.

Sports Editor

"Asian Dragons" under fire

By Lal Gunasekera

A so - called professional rugby team in the guise of an Asian Dragons XV which was initially to comprise Japanese players, were brought down to play two games against the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) President's XV to celebrate the Centenary of the SLRFU which fell last year (2008).

The SLRFU spent a sum of Rs. 2 million for this two - match tour, which included hotel expenses of Rs. 367,000 to the Taj Samudra Hotel and another sum of Rs. 112,285 to the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

The Sunday Leader learns that the Asian Dragons comprised of only 14 players (five from India, four from Iran, two from Hong Kong and one each from Guam, Philippines and Laos). They were unable to field 15 players for a game and the SLRFU included players from the national pool for them, including some schoolboys. The physio too played for them. One Karunanayake from CR and FC played for the Asian Dragons in the first game and scored two tries in the process. In the second game, he turned out for the President's XV.

Council misled

They had not even brought their Jersies to play in the matches. At a council meeting on October 24 last year (2008), Vice President, Asanga Seneviratne, had told the former SLRFU CEO, Dilroy Fernando, that he (Fernando) had misled the Council regarding the composition of the Asian Dragons side, and Fernando had replied that if a strong team was brought down, the Sri Lanka team would have lost and would have  bean demoralised, The Leader investigation unfurled.

The SLRFU had paid Rs. 150,000 for the jersies of the Asian Dragons. The SLRFU flouted their own constitution when they permitted the President's XV players to wear the national jersey, when they should not have. The Council was responsible for this sad state of affairs, including the monies spent. It's a clear cast of mismanagement. They must share collective responsibility.

Acting on a public complaint, Kiran Atapattu, who is going through the finances of the Lewke led SLRFU administration with a fine comb, disclosed that former Sri Lanka captain, haris omar, who was in the Council, had promised to find sponsors for Rs. 2 million among 51 establishments for the cheering squad, DJ, "Papara" Band etc, but only Rs. 75,000 was collected (Rs. 25,000 each from three establishments). He said, At the January 16 Council meeting, Haris Omar had said that he has Rs. 700,000 in hand and that the balance will be paid within six months. But Deputy President, Asanga Seneviratne, was adamant that Omar pays Rs. 1.3 million he owes the SLRFU before the end of this month (February). Atapattu too is to write to Omar to settle these monies immediately.

Organise a cheering squad

A sum of Rs. 1 million was given to Omar minus Council approval to organise a cheering squad comprising schoolboys from the provinces (1200 in number) who said that he will find the sponsors. He was also to organise a "Papara" Band (Rs. 18,000) fox the second game for about 2 hours) and also a DJ to be in attendance. The DJ was paid Rs. 16,000, but did not turn up.

Another sum of Rs. 262,500 was paid to a company called Chalmin (Pvt) Ltd., for the 1750 "T" shirts to be distributed to the kids, but not a single was given for the matches. They were stored in a room at the Orchid Inn Hotel in Wellawatte. Why could not Omar keep them at the SLRFU headquarters? A buffet lunch too was given to the kids at the Sports Ministry grounds, but the food ran short when they were in the queue and lunch packets had to be hurriedly got down to give them.

Atapattu, who is secretary cum Treasurer of the IC, said that the particular invoice regarding the payment for the "T" shirts dated January 15, 2009 was in his possession. The Sunday Leader learns that the "T" shirts bore the logo of a famous garment manufacturing group of companies and were distributed to schools in the provinces three weeks after the so-called Asian Dragons team had left Sri Lanka.

 "Corporate Social Responsibility"

After the SLRFU had paid for them and without obtaining Council approval, the "T" shirts were distributed to show as "corporate social responsibility" act by this garment company of which Omar serves as an employee. The XXL "T" shirts were so large that when the kids tried to wear them, they fell at their feet.

The former Treasure of the SLRFU, Anthony, is employed at Standard Chartered Bank. The SLRFU too has its Fixed Deposits and accounts at the same bank. Is not this a conflict of interest? He had also got a new computerised system installed at the SLRFU headquarters at a cost of Rs. 375,000, but the software couldn't detect the Rs.18.7 million spent  in 90 days, which I managed to do within one hour.

The Chairman of the SLRFU Interim Committee, Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, told The Sunday Leader that Kiran Atapattu was the best person that Minister Gamini Lokuge could have installed to investigate the accounts of the previous SLRFU. He said "It's just unbelievable what Kiran has discovered at the moment. There are plenty more and we will reveal them. After all, its public money and accountability has to be there."

Cricket - Inter-school U-19

Royal reach formidable 275

Sri Lanka youth cap Kusal Janith Perera hit a top score of 77 to help Royal College reach a formidable 275 in their first innings on the opening day of their inter school cricket tournament match against St. Peter's College played at Bambalapitiya on Friday.

Scores - Royal: 275 (C. Bogoda 24, S. Hettiarachchi 21, K. Perera 77, B. Rajapaksa 23, A. Rajapaksa 31, Y. Abeykoon 29, R. Rambukwella 34, H. Wickremasuriya 5 for 81, C. Peiris 2 for 63, A. Fernando 2 for 27)

St. Peter's: 135 for 4 (D. Perera 39, S. Ranasuriya 51, K. Rodrigo 20 n.o, M. Thanthirigoda 3 for 42)

S. Thomas' in strong position

Chamod Pathirana snapped up five wickets for 25 and struck an unbeaten 47 to put S. Thomas' College in a strong position on the opening day of their inter school under 19 cricket tournament match against Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda and worked off at Mount Lavinia on Friday.

Scores - Dharmasoka: 115 (I. Udayanga 29, C. Madushan 22, R. de Silva 3 for 20, C. Fonseka 5 for 25)

S. Thomas': 190 for 5 (F. Saleem 47, A. Fernando 34, C. Pathirana 47 n.o, A. Fernando 29, I. Udayanga 4 for 74)

Indika Massalage top scores in drawn game

Skipper Indika Massalage hit a top score of 85 to help Thurstan College force a draw to their inter school under 19 cricket tournament match against St. Benedict's College concluded at Thurstan grounds on Friday.

Scores - St. Benedict's: 280 for 6 decl and 32 for 1

Thurstan: 263 (I. Massalage 85, S. Kamaleen 18, U. Munasinghe 26, C. Gamage 23, T. Madurapperuma 36, P. Arthavindu 20, R. Wijeratne 20 n.o, S. Silva 3 for 87, D. Auwardt 3 for 66, D. Perera 3 for 13)

Isipathana well placed

Isipathana College were well placed at 144 for 6 in reply to St. Sebastian's first innings total of 118 runs on the opening day of their inter school cricket tournament which commenced at the BRC grounds in Havelock Park on Friday.

Scores - St. Sebastian's: 118 (O. Fernando 29, A. Samaratunga 4 for 18, C. Waduge 4 for 18)