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Sri Lankan cricket plunges into further confusion
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Despite the passing of the New Year the tug-of-war between the Sports Ministry appointed Interim Committee and cricket heavy weight Thilanga Sumathipala's SLC for the administration of the game continues leaving the Captain and players in a state of confusion.

In a bid to ease the ongoing confusion skipper Marvan Atapattu and his players along with manager Brendon Kuruppu met with Thilanga Sumathipala on Monday and the sports minister and his interim committee on Thursday. However The Sunday Times learns that although assurances have been given by both parties with regarding to certain issues, the players are still in a dilemma not knowing which way to turn.

The foremost issue concerning the players is on their individual contracts. The IC has assured that players contracts will be finalized in the coming week. It is once again expected to be on the same lines as the previous years and will be for a period of one year. However the players are worried as to the validity of the IC player contracts as Sumathipala in his meeting with the players has requested them to insist on tour by tour contracts giving an indication that IC player contracts will not be valid.

The expiry of coach John Dyson's contract has opened the doors for a new coach. The IC is believed to be head hunting for a coach and the names of Steve Waugh, Greg Chappell and Allan Border have emerged as possible contenders. IC Secretary Tryphon Mirando who is in England is expected also to speak to a few Englishmen as well before a final decision is taken. Reports also have indicated that Thilanga Sumathipala is negotiating with John Dyson on a possible comeback.

According to a spokesman for the IC the controlling of the Bank Accounts is now with the Ministry appointed IC. However this claim was flatly rejected by the treasurer of Sri Lanka Cricket Nuski Mohammed. "How can they claim to have control on SLC Bank Accounts?.

These are the properties of SLC and we are still in control of them", said Mohamed. The players who represented Sri Lanka in New Zealand are expected to receive their payments. However with claims and counter claims being made on the control of SLC Bank Accounts, players may have to wait patiently for some time.

Meanwhile SLC in a press release stated that they will be going ahead in organizing all domestic tournaments and requested all captains and secretaries to attend a formal meeting yesterday at the SLC headquarters. However a spokesman for the IC questioned the validity of such meetings at this juncture when SLC is not legally empowered to do such things.

As it stands, it is evident that most, if not all matters relating to cricket in the island are in a very fluid state. No matter who claims what, none of the parties look to be in total control of the situation. One reason for this , The Sunday Times learns is the division at the Ministry of Sports itself over the issue. Hence, with the top divided it is very unlikely that a solution to these issues could be found soon. However one thing is certain. That is the players and the game itself is in for some hard times in the near future.

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