Warnapura to develop cricket in the Asian region

By S.R. Pathiravithana

Sri Lanka’s first Test Cricket Captain Bandula Warnapura will leave for Malaysia to take up his new position as the Manager Cricket Development of the Asian Cricket Conference.

Former Nalandian who led the Lankan team out first at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in their inaugural Test match against Keith Fletcher’s England team in a one off Test on 17th February 1982, held the position of Director Cricket Operations, Sri Lanka Cricket.

Bandula Warnapura and England skipper Keith Fletcher walking out toss at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium to herald a new era in cricket in the island in their inaugural Test match in 1982.

Speaking on his new appointment to The Sunday Times Warnapura said “I felt that I needed a change from the present environment of cricket in the country so I jumped at this opportunity when it came my way”.

Warnapura made his mark as Sri Lanka’s future Test captain when he cracked a superb knock of 106 against the visiting Australians led by Kim Hughes in 1981. Sri Lanka took major honours in this match and thus became the catalyst for the ICC to grant full status that had been denied to the island nation for a period of time.

When asked about his new assignment and bit of his job description the former skipper said “It will basically be the same disciplines that I handled while I was working for the SLC. Only thing my work will cover the development of the basic structures of cricket in about 18-20 countries in the Asian region which will include Malaysia, where I will be based along with Singapore, Nepal, China, UAE, Maldives, Bhutan Etc.”

Bandula Warnapura led the country in four Test matches before inner circumstances drove him lead a rebel Sri Lanka Xl to play cricket in the then banned South Africa. This led to him and the tour party being banned for twenty five years in any form of cricket – which was subsequently lifted.
Warnapura who initially captained Bloomfield C and AC while playing for Sri Lanka turned out for BRC on a few occasions after his return to domestic cricket prior to retirement from all forms cricket.

When asked the aftermath of the stint with the ACC Warnapura said “Once my assignment with the ACC is over and if there is a need for my contribution for the development of the game in Sri Lanka, I will definitely take a very close look at the offer, but for now my full concentration will be with the ACC development activities”. He will leave the island to take up his appointment at the end of this month.