Asantha will serve until asked

Jatila KARAWITA

Asantha de Mel the former Sri Lanka fast-bowler who also functions as the Chairman of Cricket Selectors, says that he will serve in his post, till his official term expires at the end of this month.

De Mel, stated that the duration of the cricket selectors would be valid upto December 31, 2008, and it will be up to the Minister of Sports and Public Recreation, Gamini Lokuge whether to extend the term of his committee for 2009.

In light of what has happened to me with regards to the CPC, it has nothing to do with me continuing as Chairman of Cricket Selectors,” he said.

“Neither me nor my committee come under the purview of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). “Ours is a Ministry of Sports appointment and we are only accountable to the Minister of Sports.”

De Mel, the former Royal and SSC cap noted that the post of Chairman of Cricket selectors was not something that he had gained by canvassing, and that it had been thrust on him by the Minister.

He stressed that he has never gone canvassing for posts, and if he is asked to continue once his committee’s term ends, he will have to pore over it before committing.

De Mel, has been at the helm of cricket selectors for the past three-years, despite the Minister making a few changes in personnel to his committee in recent years.

Asantha de Mel led cricket selection panel also consists of Jayantha Seneviratna, Don Arunasiri and Ranjith Madurasinghe.