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Ananda fancied to retain Dr. N. M. Perera trophy

by Jatila Karawita
Ananda College led by Jithendra Perera will take to the field at SSC grounds today in their 25th limited overs match for the Dr. N. M. Perera Trophy against Nalanda College, determined to retain the coveted trophy for the third successive year. Ananda who retained the glittering trophy for the past two years will boast of an all round XI to take them to yet another impressive victory in this series, where the schol from Ananda Mawatha have clearly dominated over their rivals from Campbell Place.

With batsman of the calibre of Lakshan Fernando, skipper Jithendra Perera, vice captian Thilina Kandambi (coming off from his grand knock of 144 in the Ananda second innings in the Big Match), young Eshan Abeysinghe, allrounders Maduranga Mallawarachi and Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, to bowlers of the mould of Akalanka Ganegama, Mohammed Ramzi, Pushpakumara and Malawarachi, Ananda certainly would be hard to be beaten by the Nalandians as they clearly found out in the big match a week ago.

On that occasion, Nalanda who made all the running in that two-day fixture well into the mid afternoon session, came up against a superb rear-guard action from the Ananda late order batsmen. Nalanda led by pacie Niranjan Kumar will however try to make amends for their failure to deliver the goods when it mattered most in the Big Un by churning out a super performance in this limited overs fixture. Their batting will be in the safe hands of Dilhan Jayasundera, Mevan Porage, Sukitha Peries, Pradeep Hadigalle, Harin de Mel, and the bowling department will be manned by besides skipper Kumar, Buddhika Ranaweera, Kelum Gangodawila, Manjula Perera and Dilhan Jayasundera.

Overall an absorbing limited overs match between these two fine school teams could be witnessed today with the more experienced Ananda XI expected to prevail over a fighting Nalanda outfit.

Teams:

Ananda (from): Jithendra Perera (Capt.), Thilina Kandambi, Dinusha Bandara, Lakshan Fernando, Rukshan Fernando, Maduranga Mallawarachchi, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Akalanda Ganegama, Mohammed Ramzi, Eshan Abeysinghe and Kasun Fernando.

Nalanda (from): Niranjan Kumar (Capt.), Mevan Porage, Dilhan Jayasundera, Sukitha Peries, Harin de Mel, Manjula Perera, Kelum Gangodawila, Buddhika Ranaweera, Pradeep Hadigalle, Amila Kiriella and Hiran Gunawardene.

COMMENT
Hit wicket!

By Srian Obeyesekere
It was batting all round the wicket last week-end which would have put Sanath Jayasuriya over the circle stuff in the shade as boundaries and sixes flowed one after another.

It was a real treat of one-day stuff with a difference where cricket took a beating by the rowdyism and thuggery that ensued as certain factions called the shots at last Sunday's Annual General Meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL). There were accusations and counter-accusations with thuggery stealing the show over cricket. What a sad day it was for cricket in what turned out to be one of the gloomiest chapters in the game's history in this country. Cricket, a sport that has come down the ages in all its tradition through its hallowed cliche,' the gentleman's game' in garnering discipline and character. Alas! which was diluted by the arm of thuggery as factions went at each other at a hotly fought-out election with the incumbent President of the BCCSL Thilanga Sumathipala re-contesting with Clifford Ratwatte challenging him for the high office. As it turned out to be the BCCSL's gates were broken as factions clashed making a mockery of cricket .

For a noble game that brings together Ambassadors of Goodwill, it was certainly not cricket with politicking taking centre stage with self-interests at heart and not the game. It was cricket's hit wicket.

Meanwhile, with just over a month for training in the build-up to the World Cup, Sri Lanka will need to get her act together for a successful defence of one-day cricket's highest mantle. But of all the snags, it seems now there are no selectors to select the final fifteen. This dilemma has come about following a new set of nominees with the exception of Chairman of Selectors, Duleep Mendis, by the BCCSL not getting the nod of the Sports Minister, S. B. Dissanayake. It is understood that the Minister has shown disatisfaction over the omission of T. B. Kehelgamuwa and K. M. Nelson who served along with Mendis. The new selectors for which ministerial approval has been sought are Lalith Kaluperuma, Ashantha de Mel, Uvais Karnain and Shammi Silva. The selectors dilemma will need to be resolved without losing time where the final fifteen for the World Cup has to be named shortly.

Sri Lanka can yet win World Cup

Coming to the World cup, Sri Lanka cannot be happy with only three wins from 18 one-dayers in recent tournaments. However, Sri Lanka yet does possess the type of individual brilliance that took the country to winning the Cup in 1996. Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Captain, Arjuna Ranatunga ,Romesh Kaluwitharana and Muttiah Muralitharan are all capable of coming up with match winning knocks. Interestingly, it was Aravinda de Silva's virtual individual brilliance that saw Sri Lanka take the cake in the semi final and the final of the last World Cup with two great innings while Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluvitharana changed the complexion of one-day cricket with their over the top hitting in the first 15 overs in Sri Lanka reaching the semi final stage. Of late, de Silva has been plagued by a groin injury, but is said to have recovered. If the cricket manager, coach , tour manager and physiotherapist get de Silva who is slighty overweight into top fettle, he could still be Sri Lanka's cup winner this time as well while Jayasuriya needs to be nursed back to his best. The growing in stature in all three departments of the game of utility player, Upul Chandana augurs well. Chandana's batting has improved tremendously where he has effectively used the long handle.

If the team co-ordinators work on hundred percent fitness and fielding Sri Lanka could yet retain the World Cup. The selectors will need to re-assess the decision to omit Roshan Mahanama whose fielding has been a plus point for the team while also coming good as a late order batsman.

The pace bowling department has left much to be desired.Chaminda Vaas has to work hard on moving the ball while a third pacie is also required.Pramodya Wickramasinghe has been the only bowler in form and should find the seaming English wickets to his liking.What about Kumara Dharmasena?Hasn't he got ICC clearance?

Hajireen stars for St. Sylvester's

By Hafiz Marikar, our Kandy Sports Corr
Zaharan Hajireen scored a fine century to help St. Sylvester's College to defeat hosts Nalanda College by two wickets in a pre-quarter final of the inter-school Lemonade Trophy knock out cricket tournament match played in Colombo on Thursday.

Now the Sylvestrians have qualified to play in the quarter finals, thanks to the effort of their vice captain Hajireen.

Sylvestrians won the toss and invited the Nalandians to take the wicket first. They were able to score 218 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 47 overs. Pradeep Hadigalle did a good job with the bat to score 40 runs. Dilhan Jayasundara too did well to score 36 runs. Chanaka Wijesinghe, Suranga Prematilake claimed two wickets apiece.

When Sylvestrians batted Hajireen did an excellent job. It was a superb performance by Hajireen. The Sylvestrian total was built around a fine unbeaten 109 which came off 92 balls. He had 10 hits to the fence and one over it. Chanaka Wijesinghe made a solid 53 with seven boundaries.

Nalanda 218 for 9 wkts in 47 overs. (Dilhan Jayasundara 36, Sugath Peries 15, Pradeep Hadigalle 40, Amila Kiriella 21, Kelum Gangodawilla 29, Niranjan Kumara 22 n.o., Buddhika Danaweera 10, Harin be Mel 11 n.o., Ranga Dissanayake 2/35, Chanaka Wijesinghe 2/65, Suranga Prematilake 2/49).

St. Sylvester's 219 for 8 wkts in 45.2 overs. (Zaharan Hajireen 109 n.o., Chanaka Wijesinghe 53, Ranga Dissanayake 22, Suranga Prematilake 10 n.o., Kelum Gangodawilla 2/48).

St. Thomas' Kotte the winners

St. Thomas' College, Kotte scored an easy 48 run win over their traditional rivals Sri Jayawardenapura M.V. Kotte in their second annual limited overs fixture at P. Sara Stadium yesterday. With this win the Thomian team from Kotte won the Thissa Dharmasena Challenge Trophy for which it is being played. St. Thomas' College batting first in this encounter were bowled out for 152 in 37.3 overs with John Stork making a top score of 35. For the Jayawardenapura side off spinner S. Parakkrama bowled best to claim 4 for 16.

Sri Jayawardenapura M.V. chasing a not too difficult target of 153 runs for victory at an asking rate of under four runs per over were shot out for a score of 104 in 38.4 overs with Thomian spinners E. Peiris 4/13, and M. Perera 4/18, doing the spoils for the winners by sharing 8 wickets between them for 31 runs. For the losers none of their batsmen reached double figures with sundries top scoring with 32.

Scores: St. Thomas' Kotte 152 all out in 37.3 overs. (John Stork 35, V. Silva 3/12, S. Parakkrama 4/16).

Sri Jayawardenapura M.V. 104 all out in 38.4 overs. (E. Peries 4/13, M. Perera 4/18).

Ladies golf at Victoria

Combining golf with fun, the lady members of the Royal Colombo Golf Club under the leadership of Yvonne "The Duchess" Abhayaratne spent a great day at the newly completed Victoria International Golf Club at Rajawella.

A Stableford competition for 3 handsome trophies had been arranged for the ladies by the Tournament Committee of the day - Project Manager Tony Witham, his assistant Janine Weeratunge and Pam Fernando. The ladies left the Ridgeway Course in Colombo (where they all had gathered) at the crack of dawn. Three hours later they stepped off the coach, into their golf shoes and on to the course.

After the round the visitors were hosted to a barbecue lunch during which they watched a long-driving competition among the boy and girl caddies of the Club. These youngsters have been recruited from the nearby villages and are being trained by Peter, the former Caddie-Master of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.

The Victoria Golf Club is co-ordinating its Programme with that of Nuwara Eliya and the Royal Colombo Golf Clubs and plans to conduct more open tournaments for its members and visiting golfers in the near future. The scenic beauty and the challenging course may well qualify the Victoria to be named one of the top golf courses in the world.

Ladies Stableford
Results

Winner: Karen Crooner 38 pts.
Runner-up: M. L. An 35 pts
3rd place: Fran de Mel 35 pts

Hidden holes Consolation prize

H. S. Lee, Roshani Sangani

A proposal to prevent the politicisation of SL cricket

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
Last week, on the eve of the Cricket Board elections, I mentioned that Sri Lanka cricket was at sixes and sevens. Events that transpired a few hours later showed that it was worse. The Island newspaper carried the news of the mayhem that took place at the annual general meeting on the front page as the lead article. Never in the history of Sri Lanka cricket administration were such scenes witnessed. Watching the television screen one wondered whether we had gone back in time to the beginning of the French Revolution and were witnessing the storming of the Bastille. It was that bad. Angry crowds were yelling at the Cricket Board gates and, in fact, an individual scaled it. Eventually the mob gained entry and some fisticuffs ensued. Earlier on, television viewers were shown sniffer dogs led by police searching the premises for explosives. All this in order to be elected as honorary officials to serve a sport which was previously the domain of gentlemen. Past Presidents of the calibre of Robert Senanayake, Dr. N. M. Perera, T. B. Werapitiya, to name a few, must indeed be turning in their graves. The day when force rather than truth appears to have dawned.

WHAT ABOUT THE WORLDTEL AFFAIR?

There are presently allegations and counter allegations. Each party is crying foul. Of course, there will be yet another inquiry. Will the truth be out? With video footage available, it would not be difficult to ascertain the truth for any independent set of investigators. But, we are in difficult times. What happened, just to name one, to the infamous allegation of bribe-taking in the notorious WorldTel affair? So, will this matter too be pushed under the carpet?

NUSKI MOHAMMAD & ABU FUARD WITHDRAW

It was also reported that the contesting Presidential candidate, Clifford Ratwatte and a few other candidates left the premises and the election held in their absence. Nuski Mohammad who has held the post of Secretary for many, many years and was the incumbent Treasurer seeking yet another term, along with Abu Fuard who was also seeking another term as Vice President, too withdrew and left the premises. Currently, Mohammad is the Treasurer of the Asian Cricket Council as well, yet, he is unable to even contest the local post. When a Treasurer vacates his post in this manner, there will be many a problem his successor will face. Since accountability does not bother many people today, who cares?

INTRUDERS WITH PISTOLS & HAND GRENADES

Threats of legal action are in the air. Ratwatte had also stated: "Legitimate cricket officials were not allowed into the AGM to cast their votes while intruders took their place. Those officials at the meeting were intimidated by people with pistols and hand-grenades. Me and a number of my supporters walked out in disgust so Sumathipala has won the election without opposition." Former Vice-President, Abu Fuard, complained at a news conference that President Sumathipala had assaulted him and that he had lodged a complaint with the Police. A President assaulting a Vice-President. "I am really sad and surprised by the ungentlemanly act of the Cricket Board president in kicking a man twice his age" commented Presidential candidate Ratwatte. No, this did not happen during the annual general meting of an Association of Bull Fighters. If this incident did actually happen, or, if it transpires that such an incident did NOT even happen, the question that arises is, has Sri Lanka cricket sunk this low? If it did happen, it is a poor reflection on the President. If it did not, the Vice-President will be shown up as a liar, which is as bad.

President Sumathipala has denied all allegations. "This is an unprecedented situation" he declared. "I hope it won't affect my work and cricket in Sri Lanka." It certainly is an unprecedented situation but that it will not affect his work is another matter. When there is such violence obviously his work will be affected. It remains to be seen how the youthful President will solve his problems. In the interests of cricket - under which name most crimes seem to be committed! ! - let us hope that he overcomes them all.

H.E. TO APPOINT A COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT?

Importantly, how can such situations, as what exploded at the meeting, be circumvented in the future? Obviously, under the present situation the Sports Ministry has to take action. Better still would be, if legislation is enacted to remove the Sports Ministry from the administration of cricket! Cannot H.E. The President appoint - sans any politics please - a Council of Management comprising of (say) three or four eminent cricketing personalities to advise how the sport should be administered in future? Sri Lanka reached unprecedented eminence in the world by playing cricket, now, we are slowly but surely becoming the laughing stock, definitely at the administration levels, as mentioned by the Board President at a recent Press conference, and sadly, now, at playing levels as well.

NO ORDINARY CITIZEN CAN HOLD OFFICE

Something has to be done and done fast. When a Presidential candidate, who also happens to be the uncle of H.E. the President states: "Today, no ordinary citizen can contest the post of Cricket Board President. In my entire life I have not gone through with this type of hooliganism" it is time for action of the drastic type before the cancer destroys everything in its wake.

ONLY CRICKETERS TO VOTE & NOT CLUBS

I have made this proposal before and I make it again. Whilst having a Council of Management to tide over the present crisis, I suggest that the present system of electing officials to the Cricket Board be scrapped. Those eligible to vote should be past/current cricketers who have played at first-division level for at least (say) 3 to 5 seasons. Such experience should be certified by the club/s concerned and the names registered at the Cricket Board as the voters' list. Clubs can nominate candidates - from this list, of course, except the post of President who can be a past cricketer or even if he is only a successful entrepreneur but those eligible to vote have to be in the list registered with the Cricket Board. Also, the final voting must be on a secret ballot, much the same way national elections are held.

MAFIA-LIKE GOON SQUADS IN ACTION

This system can eliminate a lot of corruption such as when clubs are held practically to ransom by individuals to get their vote. And, under a system when elections are held and votes counted after a 'show of hands' there is no escape. Under the proposed system, even older cricketers who had earlier no voice in cricket administration - and has been watching the whole edifice disintegrate - can express their independent views by simply walking in and casting his vote. This system eliminates interested parties from forcing themselves into cricket administration by various means, as has been the case. As the Board President, Sumathipala said: "I for a moment do not think we should leave any room for these Mafia-like goon squads to hold the Board, its officials and the game of cricket itself to ransom".

All right-thinking lovers of Sri Lanka cricket will, no doubt, agree with these words. So, let us hope H.E. the President will cast the first stone to make this a reality.

Jayasuriya a blazing 90

Sri Lanka's explosive opening batsman left hander Sanath Jayasuriya returning to domestic first class cricket since the injury suffered in his left forearm during the tour of Australia in January, struck a blazing knock of 90 as his club side Bloomfield rattled up an imposing score of 349 for 9 wickets at close on day one of their three day Premier League Championship match against Sebastianites at Reid Avenue yesterday. Jayasuriya who opened the Bloomfield innings with wicket keeper bat Pubudu Dasanayake (74) put the innocuou Sebastianite attack to the sword, associating themselves in a magnificent 150 run partnership for the first wicket which eventually pave the way for the Reid Avenue club to post a formidable total on the board.

The Sri Lankan dashing one day batsman's innings which realised off 110 balls was laced with 9 elegantly struck fours as well as two towering sixes as the champion left hander showed no ill-effects of his injury whilst sending the Sebastianites bowlers on a leather hunt. With Jayasuriya leading the way the remaining Bloomfield batsmen such as Kumara Dharmasena (38) and all rounder Batheesha de Silva (69) also fully capitalised on the great start given by Jayasuriya and Dissanayake to lift their side to a commanding first day total. For the Moratuwa Club leg spinner Nimesh Perera bowled best to capture 4 for 135.

CCC on first innings

Colombo Cricket Club gained first innings points over Anthonians SC at the end of the first day's play in their Premier League match at Maitland Crescent yesterday. CCC replying to Antonians lowly score of 110 were sitting pretty at 159 for 5 at stumps with prolific rungetter Michael Van Dort unbeaten on 35. Earlier N. Rupasinghe returned a superb spell of 5 for 37 for CCC to bowl out the visitors for a score of 110. T. Sanjaya also bowled well to bag 3 for 19 for the hosts.

Wanasinghe a fine 109 n.o.

Meanwhile Galle CC batting first fired up by a fine century from No. 3 bat Pasan Wanasinghe (109 n.o.) notched up a score of 268 for 6 wickets at close on day one, in their Premier. League match against NCC at Maitland Place yesterday. Wanasinghe's innings was studded with 15 boundaries as Ruwin Peries with 34 and player cum coach former Sri Lanka test pacie Champaka Ramanayake with an unbeaten knock of 50 also chipped in with vital contributions to swell the down south team total beyond the 250 run mark.

Singha SC of Ambalangoda look set to force an outright win over the much fancied Colts CC at the end of the second day's play in their Premier League match at Havelock Park yesterday. Singha having gained a crucial first innigns lead of 35 over Colts were 88 for 3 at stumps yesterday giving them an overall lead of 123 with seven second innings wickets intact going into the third day's play today. Earlier Colts reply to Singha's first innings total of 247, could muster only 212 with Bhathiya Perera top scoring with 41. Chamara Soyza returned the best figures of 5 for 50 for the Down South Club.

At Maitland Place:

Galle CC 268/6 wkts at close. (R. Peries 34, P. Wanasinghe 109 n.o., V. Waragoda 17, C. K. Hewamanne 10, C. Ramanayake 5 n.o., C. Jayasinghe 2/50) vs NCC.

At Havelock Park:

Singha SC 247 and 88/3 wkts at close. (S. Jayantha 52, J. Kumudu 18 n.o., E. Upashantha 2/21).

Colts CC 212 all out. (D. Samaraweera 39, M. Warnapura 30, B. Perera 41, C. Soyza 5/50, P. Silva 3/55, R. Subash 2/3).

At Maitland Crescent:

Anthonians SC 110 all out. (S. Ekanayake 27, U. Pattiarachchi 24, N. Rupasinghe 5/37, T. Sanjaya 3/19).

CCC 159/5 wkts at close. (B. Ediriweera 42, M. Vandort 35 n.o., D. Arnolda 25).

At Reid Avenue:

Bloomfield 349/9 wkts at close. (S. Jayasuriya 90, P. Dasanayake 74, K. Dharmasena 38, B. de Silva 69, N. Perera 4/135, A. Jabar 3/44) vs Sebastianites. (J.K.)

World Cup '99 Panel of Umpires and Referees

During the World Cup being played in England during May/June this year, 12 National Grid Panel umpires and 6 ICC referees have been appointed to officiate.

Each Full Member country nominated one of their Panel Umpires (England nominated 2 as the host), ICC selected a further two from the remainder of the Panel to complete the full quota of 12.

The following have been appointed.

Australia Darrell Hair
Pakistan Javed Akhtar
England David Shepherd
South Africa Rudi Koertzen
Peter Willey Dave Orchard
India Srinivas Venkataraghavan
Sri Lanka K. T. Francis
New Zealand Doug Cowie, Steve Dunne
West Indies Steve Bucknor
Zimbabwe Ian Robinson

Umpires from the First-Class Panel in England will assist with third and fourth umpire duties.

The three Associate Members who qualified for the World Cup have also nominated one umpire each, who will perform only fourth umpire duties.

Bangladesh Sailab Hossain
Kenya Subash Modi
Scotland William Smith

ICC has chosen 6 referees from the Panel, and the following have accepted the ICC invitation:

Peter Burge (Australia) Valat Ali (Pakistan)
Raman Subba Row (England) Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
John Reid (New Zealand) Cammie Smith (West Indies)

Moratuwa SC President says his residence was attacked

Police are investigating a complaint by Chrisantha de Silva de Silva,President of Moratuwa Sports Club that his house was stoned during the early hours of last Thursday.

De Silva contested the recent Cricket Board elections under the Clifford Ratwatte banner

So far Police have not been able to identify the culprits due to insufficient information,OIC (Crimes) IP Anura Premaratne said yesterday.

He said de Silva had made a similar complaint of stoning about six months back.

The extent of the damage caused to his residence in tHursday's incident was estimated round Rs.2,000,he said.

Meanwhile,Chrisantha de Silva in a statement issued yesterday stated,"Moratuwa SC President says his residence was attacked.Following is the text of his statement," "My residence was attacked by vandals on April 1 early morning when seven to eight of them threw stones and broke the window panes of the living room of his upstair residence. The attack continued for about five to six minutes and they pelted stones at the house not only damaging the windows, but the lamps on the roadside boundary wall as well.

I immediately rang up Moratuwa Police and the Mobile came after about forty five minutes and after inquiring lodged an entry. So far the culprits have not been apprehended. I attribute this incident to the fact that I contested the BCCSL election as Assistant Treasurer under Clifford Ratwatte's team.

I had been approached by several just prior to the Cricket Board election seeking support for Sumathipala, which I turned down as I was fully supporting Ratwatte, the President of the Nationalised Services Cricket Association who contested the post of President of the Cricket Board.

I hope and pray that the law of the land will wipe off thuggery and rowdysm by taking meaningful and positive action and allow peace loving cricket administrators of honour and dignity to manage the affairs of the cricket board in the best interests of the noble game".

Meanwhile,the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri lanka (BCCSL),Thilanga Sumathipala,when contacted by the 'Sunday Island' as to de Silva's allegation,refuted it saying that it was a campaign to discredit the BCCSL"This is so absurd.I feel like quitting",remarked Sumathipala.

Lankan contribution to origin of limited-overs cricket

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
It was the bowler described by Sir Don Bradman as 'The Daddy of them all", Bill O'Reilly, the legendary Australian who made the following observation about limited-overs cricket: a type of game on which the Irish-blooded leg-spinner turned journalist held acrid views. Generally, he had the ability of calling a space by its name. More so on limited-overs cricket. He refused to watch nor write about it. Said the peppery O'Reilly: "Sometimes I watch my kitchen door in case thieves run away with it. I find this preoccupation far more exciting than watching this new-fangled game". Then there was the view of a former Sri Lankan batsman, who may now prefer to remain anonymous: "Limited-overs cricket is meant for butchers, bakers and barbers so that they can raise a sweat in order to enjoy their beer better in the evening." Extreme views expressed by cricket traditionalists.

It was, as usual, Sir Donald Bradman who gave a balanced view. At first, he declared: "I admit that it is hardly cricket when a side scoring 199/0 has to concede a match to the team scoring 200 all out." Later, writing in the Wisden Almanack (1986) Sir Don, commented:

"Despite my deep feeling for the traditional game, and my conviction that a vast majority of players and the public still regard Test cricket as the supreme contest, we must accept that we live in a new era...... I confess to a love for both types of game. Nothing can match the continuous cut and thrust of a Test match, where the advantage see-saws and the result is unpredictable to the last ball.... the Achilles' heel of the limited-overs match is the premium placed on defensive bowling and negative and defensive field placing. One can get bored to death watching countless singles being taken with no slips and five men on the boundary. But let me turn to the good things of one-day cricket.

It rids the game of the unutterable bore who thinks occupancy of the crease and his own personal aggrandisement are all that matter. It demands fieldsmen of great speed and agility with good throwing arms. The standard of fielding at all levels of cricket has undoubtedly been lifted. Running between wickets has taken a new dimension...."

Elsewhere, Bradman has compared One-day cricket with Test cricket as pop-music is to classical music, they have both their charms and its limitations, and their respective adherents. Why and how did limited-overs cricket begin? The obvious answer is due to the dwindling attendance at matches during the 1950's, especially in England. The M.C.C. then set up a committee, in 1956, under the chairmanship of H. S. Altham to look into the problem. This committee first came up with the idea of a limited-overs competition. As a contemporary report noted: "The idea took much digesting, but with the overall financial position deteriorating the plunge was eventually taken." In fact, it took six years to digest.

Most people think that the plunge was taken in 1963, when the Gillette Cup was played for the first time amongst the counties in England. Not so, but more of it later. In a pulsating final watched by a 25,000 strong crowd at Lord's, Sussex led by a typical exponent of the game, Ted Dexter, beat Worcestershire by 14 runs to win the first Gillette Cup. The basic rules were that each side was limited to 65 overs and a bowler's quota was restricted to 15 overs. Of course, there were no special restrictions on field placings and coloured clothing nor a white ball. If a match remained unfinished, the winner was the side which had a faster run-rate provided at least 20 overs had been bowled. If the rates were equal then the side losing a lesser number of wickets was the winner. One-day limited overs cricket had come to stay. John Player League next came on the scene six years later followed by Benson & Hedges Cup in 1972. The infection had set in. It was to take epidemic proportions. In 1998, not less than 196 One-day Internationals were staged, with India (33) playing the most.

However, commentators who had a vision were, at the same time, a bit diffident of the innovation the game had undergone. Just like a parent watching a pet puppy he has gifted to a child; joyous at the immediate reaction of his offspring but, at the same time, wary as to his physical safety in the future. As the doyen of cricket writers, E. W. Swanton wrote: " The amount of limited-overs cricket, however, needs careful control by authority. Otherwise it may submerge the orthodox match... and the true essence of cricket would evaporate beyond recall... ....Equally, the accelerated tempo of the game, at the expense of its more subtle skills, and the greater accent on winning, have attracted a noisier, less informed, type of spectator." Shades of Eden Gardens, Calcutta!!

Coming back to the origins of the limited-overs game and the Sri Lankan contribution. Contrary to the general belief that it was the Gillette Cup, in 1963, that started the ball rolling, the first organised limited-overs cricket began in 1962. It was due to the success of that competition, the Gillette Cup was born. The competition was limited to four English counties, namely Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire. Named as the Midlands Knock-out competition, it began on 2nd May 1962 at Leicester when the home side played Derbyshire - and won by 7 runs. Stanley Jayasinghe, the Sri Lankan batting star, going in at No. 5 contributed a blistering 49* to a total of 250/5 in 65 overs. The Wisden Almanack (1963) specifically referred to Jayasinghe's "hard-hitting". The final was however won by Northamptonshire, beating Leicestershire by 5 wickets. This tournament was the forerunner to limited-overs cricket, and all Sri Lankans can be proud of the fact that one of our countrymen not only participated in it but also made a telling contribution.

The creator and destroyer of cricket

By Krishantha Wijebandara
In Hindu mythology, the Brahman or God exists through a trinity of Gods. Brahma is the principle of creation, Vishnu of preservation and Siva of destruction. The symbolism of Hindu mythology is now being manifested in the field of cricket in Sri Lanka. Prior to 1996 and after the World Cup, Sri Lanka manifested itself to be the most skilful cricketing nation in the world. To me, the creator of this splendid state was no alien but portly, cool and calculative Arjuna Ranatunga. The name Arjuna Ranatunga was synonymous with the Sri Lankan victory. It pervaded the entire world, and obscured other individuals like Mike Atherton, Mark Taylor and Brian Lara. He was the most unruffled, coolest cricketing personality in the world, but after the euphoria has waned and the dust has settled down, we have shed our super-human qualities and have become mortals, vulnerable and vincible, the destruction has begun; like in Hinduism the destroyer is again none other than Arjuna Ranatunga, who takes the shape of Siva, the God of destruction. The money in dollars that poured into the coffers of the Cricket Board, and the salaries that were paid, out weighed more than four and five times the salaries earned by the highest in the land. It has become necessary, like the politicians, to stay in power and have absolute control over men and matters, that makes or breaks the game.

It is no secret that Arjuna Ranatunga personally went canvassing for one of the contestants to the office of President of the Cricket Board. For his survival, Arjuna thought that Tilanga Sumathipala should be the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Unlike any cricket captain in the world, he was able to decide much to the astonishment of the lovers of cricket, that he would continue to captain the Sri Lankan side until the World Cup. It reminds me of JRJ when he said that he has permanently rolled the electoral map in favour of the UNP, when he introduced the preferential voting system. In contrast it was only last week the Indian Board appointed Azharuddin to captain the Indian World Cup squad. Wasim Akram, the Pakistani captain was dropped from the side when there were serious match fixing allegations against him. The Board even thought of banning him from playing cricket. The judicial inquiry is still on. No one knows what would be the outcome. Mark Taylor after being the most successful of cricket captains, both in tests and ODIs was dropped from the ODI squad. Steve Waugh was appointed captain. Mike Atherton who is one of the greatest opening batsmen in the world was dropped from the England ODI squad and Adam Hollioke was appointed as the one day captain. He was replaced by Alec Stewart. Brain Lara's future is uncertain, and if there was any one who was more capable than him he would have been dropped. Andy Flower who was the captain of Zimbabwe volunteered to resign and agreed to the appointment of Stephen Campbell as captain for the betterment of Zimbabwian cricket. But in Sri Lanka the dynasty of Ranatunga has come to stay for ever. Even after the World Cup, no one knows whether Ranatunga will give up his captaincy. In other countries the selectors decide who should comprise the National team. But in Sri Lanka Ranatunga decides who should be the selectors.

When Mahanama failed with the bat continuously, the selectors independently and irrespective of populist appeal, in the best interest of cricket, decided to drop him and he was asked to play domestic cricket. When he improved and regained his confidence, the selectors thought that he should play in Dacca in the mini-World Cup. After the decision was made, there was some confusion when it was known that Arjuna Ranatunga did not approve of the inclusion of Mahanama in the squad. It is no secret that Arjuna Ranatunga did not take kindly when Aravinda was dropped for lack in fitness and Mahanama was appointed the National captain some years back. He would have preferred it if the entire team struck and refused to leave for Sarjah like what Muralidaran and Wickramasinghe did. Pramodaya Wickramasinghe is still being rewarded for the loyalty he showed then to Arjuna. Asanka Gurusinghe was the deputy of Mahanama and scored a magnificent century at Sarjah though Sri Lanka lost the match to New Zealand. Asanka was the first to be axed from the National team. Roshan Mahanama was kept in the team due to his outstanding cricketing qualities. On several occasions when Sri Lanka was in the doldrums it was Mahanama who saved Sri Lanka from certain defeat. It is said that if Roshan scores more than 35 runs in an ODI we have won 95% of those matches, but in contrast if Hashan Tillakeratne scores 25 runs or more in an ODI on more than 80% of such matches we have lost. The commotion was due to the fact that the selectors were informed that the captain does not want Roshan to play in Dacca in the mini-World Cup. Arjuna insisted that Roshan should be dropped and when the selectors refused to budge, the captain threatened to resign. The selectors were not concerned, especially Mr. T. B. Kehelgamuwa and K. M. Nelson pointedly told him that if he resigns Aravinda de Silva would quite adequately take over the captaincy. Arjuna did not resign, and Roshan did not fare well in Dacca. The Sri Lanka team won only one match with New Zealand and lost to Zimbabwe, the minnows of cricket. Whether the team played to lose so that it could teach the selectors a lesson is anybody's guess.

When the test championship was on, Asantha de Mel, one of the selectors, wrote a commendable report about Prasanna Jayawardene, who had returned from India playing for the under 19 squad. Incidentally, Prasanna Jayawardene was selected as the best wicket-keeper in the world in the youth World Cup tournament held in South Africa. He is a useful bat and in South Africa he has been able to prevent a collapse by strongly committed rear guard action. One of the weakest departments in our cricket is wicket keeping. Though 'Kalu' is adored and loved by many for his swashbuckling batting, his 'keeping' has always been a big setback. If you watch him closely you would notice that he is a grabber of the cricket ball behind the stumps. There was a time our wicket-keeping was far superior to the other departments of the game. Ben Navaratne, Dr. H. I. K. Fernando, Ranjith Fernando and the best of the lot Mahesh Gunathilake. After Mahesh Gunathilake was banned at the instance of Abu Fuard from playing cricket, for participating in the rebel tour of South Africa, we have yet to find a suitable replacement. Prasanna Jayawardene came close to these great 'keepers' and Asantha de Mel, who himself is a selector and the others concurring decided to nominate Prasanna Jayawardene to be in the squad to play in the first ever Asian Test Championship. Specific instructions were given that Prasanna Jayawardene should 'keep' but whatever the selectors wished or planned, what was implemented was that of Arjuna Ranatunga. Hashan Tillakeratne who had not kept wickets for the last one and a half years and who does not 'keep' for his Club was seen 'keeping' wickets. The Chairman of selectors, Duleep Mendis was by then with the team. T. B. Kehelgamuwa was so pained by this action of Arjuna of disregarding and disobeying the instructions of the Selections Committee, that he wanted to resign. The others prevailed upon him not to, as by resigning one would give into the whims and fancies and capricious tendencies of Arjuna. The destruction of Sri Lankan cricket has begun when he decided to continue to captain the Sri Lankan team after the World Cup victory. He as a captain has so much at stake. The team is divided into various groups, having ulterior motives other than cricket. What would become of young Prasanna Jayawardene, hailed by the ICC as the best wicketkeeper in the youth World Cup, and praised by selector Asantha de Mel as one of the brightest prospects in wicket keeping. What about the others who would love to keep wickets, and what is the message captain 'cool' is sending to them, when Hashan Tillakeratne is keeping wickets and Prasanna Jayawardene has become a mere spectator in the pavilion.

The selection of the squad of 19 for the World Cup has become the most brazen act of high handedness that the Cricket Board has ever seen. On the 27th of February when the World Cup squad was to be pruned down to 19 the Selection Committee met and deliberated about who the 19 were, they quite correctly decided that Hashan Tillakeratne is not one day material. One of the greatest batsmen that India had produced was Navajoth Sindhu who had a much better average than Hashan Tillakeratne who was considered by the Indian selectors as too slow to play ODIs. He was dropped from the ODI squad. Similarly Rahul Dravid was dropped from the Indian World Cup squad as he ate up too many balls to score runs which was detrimental to the team. Later when his strike rate improved he came back to the squad - but not permanently. Similarly, in Pakistan Amir Sohail has been dropped and Shaheed Afridi has been brought to replace him so that he could score at a much faster rate. Hashan Tillakeratne has one of the worst strike rates but must be considered a good 'test' batsman. When the Selection Committee omitted the name of Hashan, Dhammika Ranatunga, Executive Secretary of the Cricket Board had tried to intervene and get the Selection Committee to include the name of Hashan Tillakeratne. The excuse was that his brother Arjuna was concerned about the possible injury to Kaluwitharana the permanent wicket-keeper. The Selection Committee had a simple answer. If Romesh Kaluwitharana is injured and if he was the only wicket keeper in the squad there was provision under ICC rules to get down a replacement from Sri Lanka. The selections of the team are recorded in a special book kept by the Committee in the hand writing of K. M. Nelson who had been with the Cricket Board for the past 19 years. A few days later they understood that Dhammika Ranatunga's secretary has written the names of 19 players and included the names of Hashan Tillakeratne and Eric Upashantha who were not in the original squad and axed one of the most brilliant young cricketers who had done exceedingly well in the domestic scene, T. M. Dilshan, after he was axed played for the 'A' Team and scored twin 90s against the Axa Trophy holders Liecestershire. These names had been sent to the ICC.

It was obvious that this has been done at the instance of Arjuna Ranatunga. The latest move by the Cricket Board is to remove the offending obstructors T. B. Kehelgamuwa and K. M. Nelson from the Selection Committee and replace them with three others. The surprise inclusion of Hashan Tillakeratne to the World Cup squad has other far-reaching ramifications and the scheming like that of medieval play contrived to reach a climax at the end. Hashan Tillakeratne in the World Cup squad would permanently cement his place in the one-day and the test teams. When some day, if that day dawns, Arjuna Ranatunga retires from cricket he has groomed an yes man in Hashan Tillakeratne to take over the reins from him, so that as Manager or Coach he can continue to dictate the vicissitudes of players and the team in the future. This will effectively prevent either Sanath Jayasuriya or Marvan Atapattu from taking over the captaincy. More than even Sanath Jayasuriya, in Marvan there is a complete cricketing brain over his head. But it would be in the interest of Arjuna Ranatunga & Co to eliminate them from captaincy and appoint Hashan as the next captain. From what is happening in the Cricket Board it has become a virtual monopoly of the Ranatungas. This scheme to make Hashan Tillakeratne will win over and against the wishes of the majority of the cricket loving public.

The 'Ranatungarization' of Sri Lankan cricket will soon destroy the very edifice he created. The whole business of selection of cricket teams, the officials and the manner in which matches are won and lost stinks to high heaven. Money has become the root of all evil. Its cancerous ramifications has spread to the Board and to the outstation members. It is said that more than Rupees Five Million was spent to buy votes.

The people hate the present day politicians, but the manner in which cricketing affairs are conducted, the cricket loving people would have to appeal to the Government to step in and take over the whole stinking business and inquire into these allegations in the interests of the Nation which comprise the cricket loving public so that we could compete at the World Cup as true champions where the Augean Stables had been disinfected and given a thorough clean up.

BRC defy odds at C Beach Rugby finals

The C Beach Rugby finals kicked off at Royal Oceanic and Blue Oceanic last Saturday with its usual pomp and traditional beach pageantry. The Beach Stadium a sight beyond contemplation.

Twenty four Company teams (boys and girls) will be trying to imagine if life by the 'C' will ever be the same again? BRC (Beach Rugby Club) from Mount Lavinia will relive the day gladly, as they defied the odds and sailed through beating all stars Hatton National Bank with Sri Lanka 'caps' Nalin Dissanayake, Krishan Musafer, Suranga Amerasinghe and Penguins Sportswear with Fijian Kitioni Ratudradra and Imthie Marikar. Mount Panthers, last year's champions, shocked the 500 spectators and themselves by losing to Pan Audio, to set up an unlikely final.

The Pepsi 'Cool Zone' provided much relief from the scorching sun, while the three hoses provided by the hotel watered the pitch every 30 minutes.

The teams in the 'J' league adding colour, bodypaint and charm - especially Hong Kong Bank and Grants who stole the show with their heart stopping team Macarena dancing - the crowd held their breath!!! The Carlsberg promotions team and Toyota Lanka provided added glitz with a 'Bungee Running' event that defied gravity and description.

BRC stole the championship from Pan Audio 20-5. CTC Eagle were the boys winners in the 'Jolly' league and Walkers and HSBC 'A' were the ladies joint champions. Despite protests by the referee, Kevin Lappen was requested to officiate the Ladies final by the ladies themselves!!!

This final phase of C Beach Rugby kicked off the Blue Oceanic's 25th anniversary celebrations on the beach - a remarkable testament to the Jetwing Group and Ruwan Samarasinghe, their Executive Director.

The serious eco message of C Beach Rugby, is clear and defined - lets protect the beauty that surrounds us - its all we have!.

The whole day, plus the TWI drew, Capital Radio and host hotel Royal Oceanic, combined a serious team to make the extravaganza a huge and interesting success. Pressure and success are no strangers to Chandrishan and his team - a case of What-U-C is only part of what U-Get!!!

Combining with spectacular results, soon to be on Dynavision (after April 4), Club Intersport, Taj Exotica, Royal Oceanic, Pepsi and Capital Radio - Life by the C will never be the same again!!!

With this year's successful operation, C Beach will try to accommodate the possibility of eventing in Colombo, possibly an exhibition event with lots of colour to wire the city, naturally with Carlsberg to cool the occasion, Shan's project certainly has immense possibilities beyond the 'C' - long may it prosper and long may it take a positive image of Sri Lanka further across the 'C'.

C Beach Rugby - probably the best beach sport in the world.

Sumith Prasanna dreams of ring glory at Sydney 2000 Olympics

He is arguably Sri Lanka's finest exponent of the ringcraft in the past decade. Almost invincible at home with a record 13 National titles under his belt, he would have been considered a national treasure in countries like Cuba where amateur boxers are held in high esteem. But he is an unsung hero in Sri Lanka although he has shed blood and sweat in the international arena to bring home four gold medals and a silver.

Rupasinghe Kankanamge Sumith Prasanna is pound for pound the best boxer Sri Lanka has seen in recent times. Technically sound and possessing a shrewd boxing brain coupled with quick silver footwork and body movements, Sumith Prasanna has no peers. In fact, there was a time when opponents ducked his weight class. With little or no competition at home, his actual prowess could be seen only at international meets. But international exposure was few and far between.

Any other boxer or sportsman would have lost the motivation to keep going, especially after being overlooked for two consecutive Asian Games though he took part in the Commonwealth Games held in Canada in 1994. Perhaps it was his determination to prove his detractors wrong that saw him bag his fourth gold medal for the country at an international meet in New Delhi recently.

Fighting in the Welter weight (67 kgs) class, he beat an opponent from Mauritius on points 31-17 in the quarter-final, outclassed a Bhutanese in the semi-final and won a close contest against an Indian in the final on points 17-10.

The youngest in a family of nine, Sumith Prasanna hails from a boxing family. A product of Sri Sangaraja College, Maradana, he took up boxing like a duck takes to water. Not surprisingly, because three of his six brothers - R.K. Aminda, R.K. Ananda and R.K. Indrasena - became national champions. After winning three National titles, including a Best Boxer's award while representing the Central YMCA, he was drafted into the Army as a soldier and has risen to the rank of Sgt. Maj. in the Sri Lanka Ordinance Corps. He has been unbeaten national champion from Light Fly to Welter weights classes since 1986, in addition to winning the Clifford Cup and Layton Cup titles. He has also been adjudged Best Boxer a the Nationals (twice), Clifford Cup (thrice) and Layton Cup (twice).

It was in 1990 that he first tasted success at an international meet in Pakistan, winning the gold medal in the feather weight class. At the Colombo SAF Games in 1991 he won the Light weight gold medal which feat he repeated at the Nepal SAF Games in 1993. In 1992 he won a silver medal at the KESC international meet in Pakistan. He also represented Sri Lanka at the Islamabad SAF Games and Commonwealth Games in Canada.

He remembered with gratitude late Dharmasiri Weerakoon and German coach Hans Peter Thomas for polishing his skills. He is also indebted to his brother Lt. R.K. Indrasena, who has coached Army and Sri Lanka, for guiding him.

At 29 years he may be considered past his peak. But he proved in no uncertain terms that he has not lost his sting or thirst for success. He is confident that with proper training Sri Lankan boxers could reap a harvest of medals at the forthcoming SAF Games. But his sights are sets on representing Sri Lanka at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

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