Playing for glory with short boundaries, high scores and flooding pitches!
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On page 35 of the tournament rules and paying conditions laid down by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association for the ongoing Singer All Island Schools Under 19 Cricket Tournament 2015/2016, it is clearly stated that the size of the ground measured from each center wicket and the line joining them should be a minimum of 50 yards for a division one game, 45 yards for a division two game, and 45 yards for a division three game and it is specifically noted that ‘if a ground is more than the minimum permitted amount for each tournament then the boundary should be up to a maximum size which can be utilized up to the maximum of 65 yards’
But it has been mentioned that some schools playing even in the SLSCA’s elite division one cricket tournament resort to having shorter boundaries even on venues of international standards. In a recent game at an international venue the ground staff had to relay the boundary 10 yards closer to the wicket on the insistence of the mentor of the home team.
The result was that the home team posted a massive score which when reported was a spectacular performance at the particular venue as no mention was made of the shorter boundary! This unfair practice also helps individual players to post big scores to boost their ego and get considered for school cricket awards!
Another ploy employed by host teams is if the visiting team is reputed to be stronger arrangements are made to dampen the wicket which results in a delayed start and loss of play which in turn prevents an outright decision being reached in the game.
Hence, it would be prudent if the authorities call for an umpires report for each game with the mention of the actual playing conditions as a deterrent to the above mentioned unfair practices which are just a couple out of the book of tricks being employed these days !
