Abu Dhabi series in the balance

Chris DHAMBARAGE

CRICKET: Sri Lanka’s participation in the three match one day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi later this month is in the balance due to several reasons.

The opening match of this hastily arranged series was earlier scheduled for May 9 but was later postponed for at least one week.

The postponement of the series was requested by Sri Lanka Cricket after the team which emerged runners up at the World Cup were delayed at the Heathrow Airport on their way back from the Caribbean.

However the main reason for Sri Lanka’s delay in confirming their participation in this tournament is because the organisers are yet to release the guarantee fee amounting to US dollars 750,000.

The secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket K. Mathivanan said that they would definitely participate in this tournament but are awaiting a good response from the hosts.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the matches would now be played on May 18th, 20th, 22nd as the Sri Lankans had requested for some rest for their team members following their long World Cup campaign.

Another reason why the organisers were unable to hold the series on time is because they were not yet able to get full sponsorship of the event and the television rights for the matches too are yet to be sold.

In addition some of the top Sri Lankan players will not be available for selection as they are heading for English Counties this season.

Moody delays decision

Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s hopes of retaining the services of Tom Moody received a minor setback when the former Australian spinner left for England yesterday to be with his family.

Moody who guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup final in the West Indies will return back only on May 12th and a decision on his future will be taken thereafter.

Moody whose contract expires in May has being in high demand after his success with the Sri Lanka team with offers from Western Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

However Sri Lanka Cricket officials are confident that they could renew Moody’s contract for another period through fresh negotiations and through a good increment.

Change unlikely

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Cricket is also planning to have a full time paid selector serving in the national selection committee. The term of the present selection committee comprising of Ashantha de Mel (Chairman), Don Anurasiri, Amal Silva and Shabbir Asgarally expired on April 30.

However following the excellent results shown by the team in the recent past a change is unlikely and the same committee will be appointed for the next 12 months depending on the availability of the members.

The SLC have decided to have a paid selector serving in the committee so that he can spend full time to the job and perform it successfully.

Tissera to retire

In another development Sri Lanka team manager Michael Tissera has decided to retire at the end of this month.

The Abu Dhabi one day series will be Michael Tissera’s last term as manager of the Sri Lanka team. Sri Lanka Cricket officials will meet next week to appoint a new team manager for their home series against Bangladesh.