When 'Sana' made his critics eat humble pie

Matara mauler Sanath Jayasuriya made his critics eat humble pie when the national selectors indicated that the veteran cricketer could extend his brilliant cricket career even up to the next World Cup in 2011.

In realistic teams it may be bit impossible for Jayasuriya, who will be 44 years by then, to play at the next World Cup. But Jayasuriya is a man who could work miracles with his wild willow. When he gets his bat to start talking, there is nobody on earth who could stop that.

Jayasuriya's majestic run at the Indian Premier League has indicated that he has not lost his old touch even a little bit. In contrast, Jayasuriya has proved that he could look even better with maturity. His form and fitness at the IPL has proved that age is no barrier for him.

Chairman of Selectors Ashantha de Mel has been a firm supporter of Jayasuriya's skills. His committee has now given the green light to Jayasuriya to continue playing until the next World Cup which will be conducted in the sub continent.

Addressing a news conference in Colombo last week, De Mel said that they have been forced to re-consider their selection policy after Jayasuriya smashed the second fastest century in the IPL Twenty20 tournament.

The ex-Sri Lanka quick bowler said that initially they had a long term plan to groom a set of youngsters who would have been a major force in two to three years time. But he said that looking at the IPL Twenty20 tournament the most significant factor is that the older players were performing well compared to the much younger players.

Jayasuriya had millions of fans around the world and a few critics, especially back home. While millions of cricket lovers cheered his power-packed pull and hook shots over the rope, there have been a handful of critics who hate to see him progressing even at this age.

His critics included those who use venomous pen, the guys who share the same dressing room with him and that one odd guy (who could never spin a ball) in the committee that selects.

Then there was an organised campaign by a couple of scribes who did not like to see Jayasuriya's consistency, who tried to paint a different picture - that he is after politicians or influential people to retain his place in the team.

When he was dropped from the recent tour of the Caribbean, Jayasuriya said he would only return to the team by proving himself and not through short cuts. The Master Blaster had plenty of reasons to say. Finding his rightfully place though performance has been the hallmark of Jayasuriya's career, right from his difficult days as a schoolboy cricketer at St. Servetus' College, Matara.

Hence, Jayasuriya still has that confidence and ability. He strongly believes that hard work and dedication is the road to success. That is why he is a cricketing legend today, achieving many milestones, be it in one day internationals or the 'cowboy' game, the limited version.

Receiving a rich deal worth USD 975,000 for the IPL be delivered and for none of the other Sri Lankans could come anywhere close to his efforts.

Though his handful of critics continued the 'dirty' job, Jayasuriya was not bothered as he continued to believe in his skills. Ultimately, it has once again been proved that Jayasuriya has some more cricket left in him.

The Chairman of Selectors de Mel has assured Jayasuriya that the dashing opener will definitely be playing in the next World Cup, provided that he maintains his fitness and form in the important games.

Meanwhile Chairman Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee Arjuna Ranatunga, at the same news conference had stated that he had never interfered or influenced the selection of Jayasuriya after the opening batsman was initially left out from the original squad for the Asia Cup limit overs tournament which begins on June 23 in Pakistan.

But Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning captain disclosed one important matter at the conference, which went unnoticed. Ranatunga said that a national selection policy is to be implemented shortly.

According to the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Chief, the national selection policy would be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports.

He observed that the domestic cricket is the most vital area for the development of the game and all contracted players will need to play at least 75 per cent of cricket at home to be selected for the national team.

It is a commendable move and if Ranatunga could implement it fully, that would bring better results. Irrespective of the people who hold the top seat at the Maitland Place headquarters, there should be a national policy. Countries such as Australia have been successful due to their national sports policies.

Ranatunga had a clean record as a cricketer, even without appearing for commercials to make money. He was a tower of strength to his teammates. He came to cricket administration with a vision and a passion.

But any other leader at a given institution would face, Ranatunga too has 'insiders' who are trying to 'use' him. Ranatunga is no fool and has gone through the mill. Hence, he has to be extra careful of people whom he works with.

He should not leave room for any fishy deals. Even if his confidants make blunders, they would be credited to Ranatunga's account.

Reggie is no more

It is with great sorrow that we record the death of former Minister Reggie Ranatunga who passed away last week. He has been a great promoter of sport and had served as President of Sri Lanka Volleyball and Elle Federations.

His five sons excelled as schoolboy cricketers at Ananda and four of them, except for Provincial Council Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, went on to represent Sri Lanka at the highest level.

While Arjuna Ranatunga had the rare honour of leading Sri Lanka to its first and the only World Cup triumph in 1996, three other sons represented Sri Lanka at Test level - Dhammika, Nishantha and Sanjeeva.