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Comment by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Andulrahman Bukhatir, the man who gave 'cricket in the desert' to the world has done well to introduce cricket to the Moroccons.

True the Moroccons know nothing of cricket. But by taking the game there, he showed and proved to the cricket world that he is determined to popularise the game wherever possible. Bukhatir is a man full of ideas for the improvement of the game and the betterment of the players. From the time he introduced the game to Sharjah, where all top teams have played, he has been exploring all possibilities for its betterment.

It will not be long before the Sheikh makes his intentions known that he would like to hold the top post in the International Cricket Council. While those in the ICC have only been known to meet to decide when to meet again and doing sweet nothing for the game, Bukhatir had done wonders for the game allround. If and when Bukhatir decides to aim for the top post in the ICC, he is assured of support allround. From the time he had the first ball bowled in Sharjah, he made it known to the players that they were going to earn big money playing in Sharjah and winning.

Even the respective cricket boards had their coffers filled by playing in the desert. The players Benevolent Fund that he inaugurated is the best thing that could have happened to past Test cricketers who were not enjoying the best of times, having quit the game.

Today every Cricket Board and player have the utmost respect for the sheikh. They speak in glowing terms, not only about the man, but the very best that he provides for the participants.Even in the new venue in Tangiers, Morocco, the Ten Sports commentators were singing his praises and thanking the man for bringing cricket to a place where the game is unknown in an endeavour to make it known.

Accepted that there were no spectators to make the usual din. But Bukhatir is confident that before long, once teams like the Indians and the Pakistanis play there, the crowds will come.

We wish Bukhatir the best in his endeavours.

CB and players score

With the mini World Cup to be conducted in Sri Lanka somewhat in an unsettled state, what with the battle between Cricket Board and players threatening to disrupt it, comes the good news that the Cricket Board and the Players Association here, have settled their problems to the satisfaction of both sides.

Jaliya Jayasuriya, Secretary, Interim Committee and its treasurer Nimal Welgama and Graeme Labrooy representating the players, did well to thrash out what ever the differences and settle for the good of the player, the game and the mini World Cup.

We are told that the meeting between the parties were cordial and what made a settlement possible was that they indulged in consultation, consensus and compromise.

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Graeme Labrooy representing the PA had earlier made too stiff a demand, asking that the cricketers be given 30 per cent of the guarantee money.

The Interim Committee had said no to this demand. But the Players Association realised that their demand was not reasonable and finally in consultation with Jayasuriya and Welgama settled for something that was pleasing and satisfying to both parties.

Jayasuriya and Welgama played straight and explained the Board's position. Realising the plight that the Board is in, Labrooy relented and alls well that ends well.

Congratulations to Jayasuriya, Welgama and Labrooy for playing an innings that ended the deadlock. Incidentally Labrooy has a record of scoring a half-century with twos, fours and sixes. He performed this rare feat against New Zealand in Auckland.

Tendulkar cynosure of all eyes

World's number one batsman Sachin Tendulkar will be the cynosure of all eyes when he plays his 100th Test against England at the London Oval starting on Thursday.

In the previous Test he nearly missed a double hundred, but had the honour of going past Sir Donald Bradman's 29 Test tons.

Tendulkar who has thrilled cricket fans around the globe, with his stylish and elegant batting will be looking forward to getting a three figure score and mark his 100th Test with a hundred.

His team India will also be looking to chalk up a series win abroad which has been eluding them for the past 16 years.

The stage is set for one of the most exciting Tests and it is hoped that the weather will stay fine and allow the two teams fierce competition.

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