There was no political interference - Mahela and Dilshan

Prince GUNASEKARA

Sri Lanka cricket team’s former skipper Thilakarathne Dilshan and the team’s new captain Mahela Jayawardena, both denied that political interference was the cause of their defeat in the recent series in South Africa.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Sri Lanka Cricket Headquarters last evening, they pointed out that the team’s loss in South Africa was only because of their poor performance and they were not ready to give any fake excuses.

They emphasized that there are no political agendas among team members.

Jayawardena also rejected allegations that politics and infighting within the squad had caused the recent slump in the team.

He also said that the team has collectively made mistakes but disunity was not the reason for the recent Test series losses to England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.

Dilshan said that he decided to resign from his post because Sri Lanka Cricket expected his captaincy only till the end of the South African tour.

“I would have offered my services as the captain if I was offered the leadership for the Austrailan tour too,” added Dilshan.

Dilshan resigned from captaincy and Jayawardene were reappointed to the role after returning from South Africa where Sri Lanka lost the three-match test series 2-1 and five-match one-day series 3-2.

Jayawardene captained the team for more than three years from 2006.

The stylish batsman, who led Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup runners-up spot, will be the captain for all three formats of the game.