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by Malsiri Kurukulasuriya

Since my article on this subject I have had lots of input from some knowledgeable people. I have given much time and thought and this is submitted as a blue print requiring discussions and a dedicated effort from the schools association. However, nothing will happen unless they recognise that the current system is just not working and as such, changes are needed. They should open a dialogue right now in an effort to find a workable format for the next season.

Basically the game will revolve on a 55-over batting allotment for each side. I feel a four minute over should help greatly in moving the game at a better pace. On this basis, each can hope to bat or field a maximum of 220 runs i.e. (3 hours and 40 mins).

If the side batting first is bowled out under their alloted overs, the fielding side will benefit by having the shortfall added to their allotment of overs.

If a fielding side fails to deliver their 55 overs in 220 mins their batting quota will be reduced to the number of overs they delivered. This will mean that there will be more scope for the use of spinners; which is a glaring shortcoming now.

- The time factor. Games will commence at 10 a.m. on both days.

- Lunch break of 30 mins. Running from 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.

- The first session is 3 hours (180 mins). The batting side will still have 40 mins left to them after the lunch break.

- The umpires should be vigilant about slowing down of the game; make reasonable decisions regarding injury time etc.

The second session (1.30-5.30 p.m.) will also be 180 mins in duration, like session one).

The fielding team will commence their batting after the 40 mins has expired. With 10 mins. for change over, they will have 130 mins, of batting left. On day 2, they will have 95 mins. of batting time available.

It is about this time the teams will know how their chances stack up. If the side batting second, declares their innings closed, perhaps with a good lead, they will not receive any advantage in terms of overs or time. (The reason is that if spurious declarations are permitted just to take advantage of time or overs, we will lose the importance attached to intelligent declarations which gives both sides a chance to win).

Under these conditions even if no result is forthcoming, we would at least see a thrilling 'draw'. This will be a far cry from today's fiascoes.

As I said earlier this is just a suggested format, which could be improved. Hopefully, the Schools Cricket Association would take immediate steps to overhaul a meaning-less system; and put in place a more entertaining product that will once again draw crowds and hopefully provide a rich nursery to replenish our national side.

As a first step you have to establish a balanced schedule, so that everyone will enjoy an even field. This can be the only road to a more dynamic competition; and improve the standards that are close to rock bottom now.

They should also address the problems of discipline. The constant chatter even up to the point of delivery (umpires should intervene). The ugly sight of a team going half way down the wicket seeking an umpires decision. (Definitely the coaches responsibility. Fines should be considered). Crowds invading the field at a batsman's dismissal. (Though a little unfair, the host school should bear responsibility, simply by virtue of a larger body of persons available to maintain order.

I consider that indiscipline is at the bottom of this rot. Until coaches can get the boys focussed on what they should be doing on the field, the problem will persist. Believe me some strong and unpopular decisions will have to be made if we are ever going to reach the status our under-19 teams enjoyed in the past.

With so many schools playing the game the type of coaching available leaves a lot to be desired. The BCCSL might be able to help under the development of cricket programme. I feel it would be money well spent if they have two active coaches dedicated to help schools with coaching. This is not the solution but a worthwhile stop-gap move. The Board has the money, so the schools should identify their problem areas, which the Board can handle since they have access to many persons in Colombo and outstations who could be activated at short notice.

If need be, the Board could take the initiative by inviting the main administrators to a meeting in order to establish a procedure by which schools could get Board assistance working through there own administration.

I suppose the main issue to be addressed is, are we going to play league cricket or not. If the sponsorship is restricted to the quarter-finals onwards, then the majority of participating schools will not benefit. If the sponsorship could be made more universal, then it might make sense to stay with them. Otherwise, reverting to the old system makes a lot of sense. This will relieve the negative attitude of coaches and captains. Without the pressure of points, everyone will play the game in a more relaxed mood and therefore, we could expect more attractive and meaningful games. The suggested format will strengthen the achievement of these objectives.

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