What next for Sri Lanka cricket?
Our lads were very successful in the ODI series against South Africa by winning it 4-1. But we could not repeat the same in the T20 series. The Springboks emerged victorious at 2-1. Let bygones be bygones. There is no point harping on the successes or failures of our National Team. Nevertheless, looking to the future and forming a solid team which could deliver the goods on any soil of the world should be the aim of our Cricket Board and Selectors. They have been appointed to these positions in order to ensure that the Sri Lanka National Team becomes one of the best sides in the world If our men in authority are lethargic and have no interest in forming a team which could be a threat to any opposing team then there is no point in them holding on to their positions of such great responsibility. I assure you that the formation of such a team will not come automatically. Proper planning and hard work will ensure a path that will lead to the emergence of a quality national team
As an ardent cricket fan I would like to suggest the following that could help build a world-class National Team:
(1) The best 40 players should be elected to a pool in order to practice right throughout the year. This way the batsmen will always face the best bowlers, while the bowlers will have to bowl to the superstars. This way both parties are bound to improve their skills.
(2) The Selectors should eye some of the up-and-coming players from the ‘A’ Team and bring them to the national pool. If they are really good then they should be given the chance to be in the National Team.
(3) There should be a code of conduct for all the national players. These rules should apply to the Under-19 Team, the ‘A’ Team and the National Team. Not a single player should be exempted from rules and regulations
(4) All the earnings by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board should be used to improve the standard of cricket and not for other matters.
(5) Whenever we play in Sri Lanka at least one pitch should be prepared to suit our opponents. Our players will then be able to gauge their standard.
(6) A foreign tour should begin at least one month before the start of the first official match. In this way our players will become accustomed to the conditions and pitches.
(7) We must have replacements for the senior players. Do we have substitutes for Mahela Jayawardane, Kumar Sanggakkara, Tilakeratne Dilshan arid Rangana Herath? If all four retire at the same time, then where do we stand?
(8) When a young player is introduced to the national side he should be a very talented player and should be able to handle the pressure of international cricket. He must be given enough opportunities to improve and, at the same time, be exposed to playing at international level.
(9) If the Cricket Board can send at least five young players to play in Australia and England every year, then they will have a chance of improving,
(10) If the veterans are consistently not delivering the goods then the selectors should not hesitate to drop them and bring in young blood.
(11) Schools are the cradle of Sri Lanka Cricket. Poor schools should be helped by the Cricket Board who should supply all the necessary facilities.
(12) There should be at least two grounds in every District with turf wickets for schools to play their matches. This way our youngsters will get used to playing on turf pitches. These grounds must be maintained by the Board throughout the year.
(13) The Schools’ Cricket Association and the Cricket Board must work hand-in-hand to prepare the future players of the nation.
(14) The Sri Lankan Cricket Board must have a plan to raise the standard of cricket in the country. The successors of the present office-bearers will have to continue and implement the policies of the present Board.
(15) Past cricketers and experts who are knowledgeable in cricket matters should be consulted when a plan is being drawn up for the improvement of cricket in the country.
(16) It is always good to have meetings with national players to thrash out their grievances. This does not mean that the board officials should surrender to their demands and give them everything they ask for.
(17) When coaches are employed it should made dear to them that they are expected to produce results, deliver the goods and put Sri Lanka Cricket on the map.
(18) Nowadays teams have a head coach, a bowling coach, a batting coach and a fielding coach. All these coaches should work together as a team. Otherwise each one will say different things to the players and the result could be disastrous for Sri Lanka Cricket.
(19) Politics should have nothing to do with Sri Lanka Cricket. Politicians should not interfere in the affairs of the Cricket Board. Officials must be given a freehand to manage Sri Lanka Cricket as they see fit.
(20) All the members of the Cricket Board should be honest and sincere, if not, then cricket in the country will go from bad to worse. If they are unable to work for the betterment of cricket then they should resign.
The T20 series defeat against South Africa was a good eye-opener.