As the Asian cricket fraternity gathers in Karachi for today’s big game, I’m pleased to say that I am proud to be an Asian cricketer. We have transformed ourselves from post-Independence minnows to the true powerhouse of world cricket. I mean this not just in a financial sense, although it is obvious that Asia is now the economic driving force behind world cricket. Asia’s contribution to global cricket transcends money.

On the field, our skillful cricketers we have produced a long list remarkable performances during recent decades. As a result, we have claimed an ever-growing number of world records. Asian teams have steadily risen up the world’s rankings. We have now won three Asia Cups and been runners-up on several other occasions. Hopefully, we’ll add another in 2011.

Asian contribution to world cricket is a continuing success says Sangakkara

We can also proudly say Asia is now playing a crucial role in upholding the long cherished values of the game. Camaraderie between players, true sportsmanship and honesty has been more evident in this Asia Cup than in recent tournaments and matches between the traditional rivals in the rest of world.

Asia has played a pioneering part in revolutionising cricket skills. We have witnessed the staunch and steady Gavaskar’s, the flamboyant Imran Khan and Javed Miandad, the run machines that are Tendulkar and Dravid, and witnessed the unique brilliance of the Jayasuriya and Muralitharan. Asia has produced cricket in all its glory, blending perfectly the unorthodox with the orthodox, classic elegance along with reverse swing and the doosra.

As an Asian, it is heartening to see the acceptance and popularity of Asian cricketers around the world. It is also pleasing to hear from the general public as to how approachable and obliging Asian cricketers commonly are. Arrogance, competitiveness, banter and harshness of character is reserved for the cricketing field.

It is a very rare occasion that a Tendulkar, Dravid, Yousuf or Muralitharan will refuse an autograph, handshake or photograph for a fan. This seems to have endeared the Asian cricketers to their fans and helps them make them true ambassadors for sport. They also realise that great social responsibilities come along with their iconic status. For example, Imran Khan’s Cancer Hospital, Murali’s Foundation of Goodness and Mahela Jayewardene’s Hope Cancer Project.

Asian cricketers are touching lives, on and off the field, and I am truly proud to be part of this cricketing fraternity.

On the eve of Indian independence from colonial rule much was said and written about the ability of cricket to flourish in a culture or environment devoid of British influence. Some journalists even went onto say that there was no way that cricket would survive without the English remaining in India. How wrong they were.

Lord’s has traditionally been accepted as the spiritual home of cricket. But is this true in the modern context? There is no doubt that it is a special to play: the hallowed turf, the grand old pavilion, the beautiful Long Room with portraits of past cricketing greats staring down from its ancient walls – it all sends a tingle down your spine when you experience it. However, in my opinion, there has been a gradual shift.

An Asian administrator once said that his ambition was to shift Lord’s to Calcutta. A frivolous comment to some, a joke to others, an example of world cricket politics maybe, but when I look around today at streets of SL, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, and I see the obvious passion, fervor and interest of the Asian cricket fan, I have to ask: has Asia not now become the new spiritual home of world cricket? In my mind, there is no doubt.

Asia, in the modern context, is the financial hub, the new leader and custodian of cricket. And, today, we stand on the threshold of a new era in the game – an era of unprecedented enhancement and change, development and globalisation pioneered by Asia. The emergence of T20, particularly the advent of the IPL, another Asia triumph, has already transformed the game. This change is exciting for players, administrators and fans.

The IPL has shown that cricket can change and evolve with success. The traditional conservative image shed for 45 days in the year and transforming into a fun global spectacle marrying sport with glitz, glamour and high finance, offering true entertainment for spectators for all genders. It is creating new opportunities to popularise the game beyond its traditional borders, creating new audiences in non-cricket playing countries.

With Asia’s new control and power comes responsibility. We must not be the example that proves Lord Acton’s saying: “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Asia cannot sit back content with its new status and wealth. We have a solemn responsibility to ensure that the opportunities that are presented to us today are not squandered.

Administrators have a responsibility for ensuring continuity and stability in our cricket development. They have a responsibility to ensure the game is run transparently. An administration built on an honest foundation will lend itself to nurturing secure and confident cricketing teams.

As players, we have a responsibility to be true ambassadors for the game, both on and off the field. Successful cricketers in Asia are celebrities, but we must make sure that we are more than just famous personalities. We need to be role models for the young. We must endeavor to uphold the Spirit of Cricket at all times, just like I believe we have done during this Asia Cup.

The game’s sponsors, too, must play their part. Without sponsors the game in Asia would not be as financially stable as it is today. Their continued interest and participation in cricket is therefore crucial to the game’s future health. The power of the advertising industry is immense and sponsors can play a huge role in terms of communicating positive messages rather than just selling celebrity status.
The key issue here, I believe, is that administrators, sponsors, players, the media and cricket fans in Asia must all work together as one. In the last fifty years we have achieved a huge amount. As a continent, we can be proud of our contribution to the game of cricket. There has been nothing like it before. But, now, in these exciting times, we must work doubly hard to ensure the Asian contribution to world cricket is a continuing success.