Copy book strokes from President Rajapaksa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa played copy book strokes in cricketing parlance when he appointed Arjuna Ranatunga as Chairman, Sri Lanka Cricket and D. Somachandra de Silva as Presidential advisor on cricket.

All cricketers, cricket fans and the sporting fraternity at large will shower encomiums on the President for his excellent thinking in making these appointments.

From the time the Interim Committee came into being, those who have occupied the top seat have been those who have had no inkling of what it is to handle a bat bowl or field a ball.

This is the first time that a personality who has played and knows what the game is all about has been slotted into this important, responsible, onerous and prestigious seat.

Arjuna Ranatunga, a People's Alliance parliamentarian needs no introduction to cricket fans here and abroad. What he has achieved, especially as captain in winning the World Cup in Lahore in 1995/96 will not be equalled or surpassed for who knows when.

His achievements from the time he held a bat, need not be reiterated. Those have been well documented in the record books. What we are now concerned is how he will go in the new innings that has began.

If his daring and fearless acts on the field and off it are considered, then he was indispensible in the administration of the game, if it was to improve, develop and come out of the abyss that it has sadly been allowed to tumble and the quicksand it had been allowed to wallow in.

Until Ranatunga took over the captaincy of Sri Lanka cricket, the Lankans always played second fiddle to the white skin and 'Master Sir' was the attitude when up against the white skin.

But once he adorned the captaincy, he stood tall and instilled on his mates that white or black skin, we are all humans and born equal and that greatness comes only to those who dare.

He got under the skins of especially the Australians and the Englishmen saw that it rubbed off on his teammates, and to his eternal credit the Aussies and the Brits respect and treat us as equals.

And now not only have we got them respecting us, but also have them, especially the English grovelling as was proved in the recent Test series. But now the question that all are asking is: How will Arjuna Ranatunga perform in the new role of Chairman, Sri Lanka Cricket?

Well as for us he must start his new innings with above all an open mind. He must not have agendas, but face as he did the ball with a straight bat. If he does that success will come his way automatically and he will grow in stature and his innings would be interesting to watch.

It is apparent to everyone who is someone that everything is not tickety boo in the game from the schools to the clubs to national level. Unable to watch the desecration of the game that he loved best is what has prompted the former captain, who I tagged 'Captain Cool' that made him force his way to the top seat.

And cool he must remain at the crease, that is Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket. True and accepted that Australian cricket is anathema to Ranatunga. But if he would take a leaf out of Australian cricket and follow it or even go beyond it, his attempt to improve the game here will definitely be helpful.

The continuous Aussie success is attributed to their fearless and uncompromising attitude where those in power act, and however brilliant and successful a player, when his time is up they say a big 'thank you' to the player and see that he gracefully steps down.

In so doing they plonk in the youngsters and these youngsters grab the opportunity with both hands and perform, much to the success of their game.

Steve Waugh was one if not their best and most successful captain. In his farewell Test he scored a century against England, but was not spared.

Even Shane Warne and Glen McGrath easily their greatest bowlers ever, were given the same treatment. And to the credit of these three cricketers, it must be said that when they got wind that the axe was about to fall, they quit.

On the recent tour of Australia, I had the opportunity of talking to Warne. He looked so fit and it was apparent that he had a lot more to offer the game. I told him that I felt he quit too early.

Warne did not want to comment, but his charming smile said it all.

So Ranatunga would do well to remember that youth is the future of the game here and do all that he can to concentrate and promote this area.

I know where I stand with my enemies. But god save me from my friends, is a famous saying and we are certain Ranatunga is aware of this. 'Captain Cool' now that he is Chairman of SLC automatically becomes Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council. He says he is an achiever and his next aim must be to be the Chairman of the International Cricket Council.

That's a good ambition and there is no reason why Ranatunga should not adorn that high office. If he were to achieve that it would be beneficial to the game here all-round. Ranatunga's every move will come under the microscope of his critics.

His first step after assuming office, as he has said is to get an independent company of accountants to probe the finances of the SLC. Now that is a move that should be applauded and encouraged, because accountability is what is lacking today.

From all of us on the sports Desk of the Daily News, we wish him a successful tenure and may he take the game to the promised land.