Triangular series should have been played at Dambulla

With rains threatening to spoil the Unitech Triangular series between Sri Lanka, India and South Africa, the question that readily comes to mind is: Why did not the Interim Committee settle to play the tournament in the dry zone in the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium ?

I do not want to go into the impasse and flog a dead horse. But had the IC and the stadium authorities sat down to consultation, compromise and consensus, the matches could have been conveniently played at picturesque Dambulla without any hassle or worry of rain interfering. It would be pertinent for an inquiry to be held and the truth told.

When former President of the Sri Lanka Cricket Thilanga Sumathipala set about drawing up plans for a cricket stadium in Dambulla and finally saw to its completion, he ran into a barrage of criticism, some justified and some not .

But in the final analysis, it was for the good of the game that the international stadium in Dambulla came into being. But sadly today the imposing stadium is allowed to go to ruin, because the warring parties are refusing to see reason and arrive at a consensus.

The Interim Committee when they drew up the schedule for the triangular, would have been aware that there was a possibility of rain in the month of August and settled to playing the games in Dambulla. Had the games been played in Dambulla, it could also have been a tourist attraction. Usually when there is a tournament there, travel agents tempt would be tourists offering them packages, and generally there is a good response from cricket loving tourists.

But sadly it is not going to be that way this time round.

When rain ruins a tournament, everyone, from spectators to TV sponsors who plunk in big money stand to lose immensely. Next time round they may rethink and it can do the game a lot of harm. I hope the Interim Committee will learn, because excuses however good are unacceptable once in the big league.

True nobody has control over the weather. But a bit of intelligent thinking could have had the matches played in Dambulla. When it comes to situations like this, enmity should be forgotten and pride should be pocketed.

Sad on Dean Jones

It is sad the way former Australian batting great and the likeable Dean Jones went out of the Ten Sports Cricket commentary team. As a commentator Jones used his playing experience to describe very cleverly what was happening out in the middle. Viewers used to enjoy his pithy and witty comments.

But unfortunately he was not aware that the mikes were on when he made the uncalled for remark against South African Hashim Amla.

Accepted that he would have made that remark in Jest. Jones admits that he is a good friend of Amla and the South Africans and that he has nothing against the Muslims. But had he been a bit more guarded, the unfortunate incident could have been avoided.

It is hoped that this incident would serve as a deterrent to other commentators to be more guarded and watch their speech.

Racism and terrorism should not have a place in sport. When Darren Lehmann the Aussie batsman shouted 'black c....' at the Lankans, he got off quite lightly. But Jones was dealt with more severely. It shows double standards.

Bad form

The South African cricketers first lost a lot of cash when they were robbed at the Hotel they were staying in.

Then a few days back they lost their one-day playing kits.

When this happens it is a black mark, not only for the organisation, but above all for the country. Surely the cricketers would have been provided with security. Then how come that these two ugly and unaccepted incidents were allowed to happen.

The culprits must be apprehended and dealt with harshly so that it could serve as a deterrent to others attempting such disgraceful acts.