Point of view:

Whither Sri Lanka cricket?

Rev. Bro. Nimal Gurusinghe, FSC

It seems to me Sri Lanka cricket is deteriorating. As things are happening it looks as if our cricket will never improve. Losing has become a natural event for our national cricketers.

For our Sri Lanka cricket team getting beaten by their opponents is no shame. When a sensible cricket fan witnesses the performance of our lads the impression he gets is that there is no passion for the cricketers to win. If this goes on for some time our king cricket will reach zero.

There is a danger of losing our ICC status. If that happens our cricket loving public will be disappointed. On the other hand if we are not on par with other countries there is no point in retaining the ICC status.

When I see the performance of our players is appears to me that they do not love their country. If they are not patriots, they will not give their best. Players must learn to play for their country. All the players must be determined to win. But I do not see any ambition of our guys to carry all before them. How long do ardent cricket fans have to wait to see that Sri Lanka cricket team gets back to a winning streak or an invincible side?

As we know we got a thrashing from England in their country and in our own den Australia humiliated us. Then, at a neutral venue, we ate humble pie at the hands of Pakistan. As we all know the Pakistan team is a very mediocre side. They did not have any match practices. Two of their key players are behind bars. Sahid Afridi joined the party after a lapse of seven months. When you lose to team of that nature what can you expect from our national team! Our defeat against Pakistan is unpardonable.

It looks to me that something is wrong with our cricketers. Talent wise there are world class players in the national side. So we need not question skills and talents. But these lads are not in a frame of mind to play serious cricket. If that is not addressed then there is no salvation for Sri Lanka cricket. Our national team will become a laughing stock in the world cricket scene.

My suggestions.

Immediately call a meeting of the national cricket team with some responsible people in authority. You have to thrash out all their grievances.

Their morale has to be boosted. Due to some reason if their mental frame has gone down, it has to be lifted. Our team must have a motto, something like "Pride to win and shame to lose". Also, they should be motivated to play for the country, not for themselves.

If these issues are not addressed we cannot have any hope for our future cricket. If men in authority do not open their eyes we may have to fix the last nail to the Sri Lanka cricket coffin.

Senior cricketers should not be given an opportunity to dictate terms to the Board.

There should be rules and regulations for all the cricketers. If you are losing with the so called veterans better then to form a young side and prepare for the future. That will do immense good to Sri Lanka Cricket.

Since Tilakaratne Dilshan took over the captaincy we did not enjoy a single series victory. On the other hand he is fairly old. Why not appoint Angelo Mathew and groom him to be a good captain? Also, it will be a good investment for the Sri Lanka cricket.