De Mel stands by his decision to drop Marvan

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee Chairman Ashantha de Mel firmly stood by his committee’s decision to drop former captain Marvan Atapattu from the test squad to Australia despite attempts by the Minister of Sports Gamini Lokuge to include the player.

Speaking to The Sunday Times De Mel said “As far as the selection committee is concerned the squad to Australia has been selected and Atapattu is not a part of it. The squad has also been ratified by the Minister of Sports. However, if the Minister wants to include Atapattu, he can do so as that is his wish”.

It was evident that the Selection Committee Chairman was disturbed by the actions of the Sports Minister who most observers feel is over stepping his mark. If the Minister had any concern over the squad selected to Australia he should not have ratified the squad. However by placing his signature he has approved the selection and it is surprising to note that the Minister is now insisting and making attempts to change the squad. As most observers feel this late move by the Minister is only going to create tension and unpleasantness among many persons including the players.

When asked if he would send in his resignation in the event the Minister includes Atapattu, De Mel remained tight lipped but said that he would not want anyone to gain the upper hand over the current situation.

However The Sunday Times learns that Marvan Atapattu is currently overseas and is expected only to be in the island a few days ahead of the team’s departure to Australia. Hence, it is highly unlikely that he will be on the flight to Australia.

Ashantha De Mel was appointed as the Chairman of Selectors by Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge after the Interim Committee omitted his name from the nominees sent to the Sports Minister. Today, the same Sports Minister is attempting to over rule De Mel’s selections. In fact media reports stated that the Minister wanted Atapattu to play the 5th ODI against England yesterday. What the Minister does not know is a squad of 15 players have been announced for the one day series against England and only such players can be part of the series. Atapattu is not in the squad and is not eligible to play against England.
Is their any country in the world where a Sports Minister can select a player for the national team? Cricket selectors are former players who have represented their country at the highest level. We wonder how much of cricket Minister Lokuge has played or watched to interfere with the decisions of the selectors?