It is the spirit that matters more than the win

An event that passed without much comment, although it was so well deserved, was the presentation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Spirit of Cricket award to Sri Lanka at the ICC award celebration conducted in September last year held in the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. This award is presented to the national cricket team which in the opinion of the Emirates Elite Panel of Umpires, Referees and Captains of the 10 test teams has conducted themselves best in the field within the spirit of the game.

The Spirit of the Cricket is described in the preamble to the Laws of Cricket in the following words: "Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact it should be played not only within its laws but also within the spirit of the game". The preamble further adds that the "Spirit of the game involves respect for your opponents, your own Captain and team, the role of the Umpires and the game's traditional values". Cricket is the only sport where Sri Lanka has actually earned consistent international recognition over a considerable period of time.

Some say that Sri Lanka is recognized in the world for two things, namely, terrorism and cricket. While the former is an embarrassment, the latter certainly brings honour to the country.

From a Buddhist ethical point of view far more important and worthy is the maintenance of moral standards rather than material success. At a time that moral conduct in almost all areas of activity is witnessing a sharp decline in the country, it is encouraging to note that our cricketers have played the game in its true spirit whereas overwhelming numbers are interested in success at any cost. This is significant in the context of today where the game has become highly commercialized.

Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 and was runners-up in the recently concluded World Cup in the West Indies. From a Buddhist standpoint the winning of the Spirit of Cricket award is far more significant than victories in the World Cup. It symbolizes the fact that our cricketers would not descend to any level for the sake of victory and play the game in a fair and friendly manner. Contrast this approach of our cricketers with the spirit of politics that has unfortunately deteriorated continuously since this country became an independent nation in 1947.

The Wayamba Provincial Council elections stands as an extreme example of the totally unbecoming and unacceptable conduct by the powers that be. Although this disgraceful spectacle was condemned by the then head of State and leader of the party that won that election, no positive action was taken against the perpetrators. This is true of all political parties that exercised power in recent times.

So let us warmly record our appreciation of the outstanding performance of our cricketers to play the game in accordance with the spirit of the game and may they and those who follow them continue to do so in the years to come.

Perhaps other areas of activity in the country such as politics, professions, services, trading, and other economic activities could take a leaf out of the conduct of our cricketers and behave in a manner where while looking after their own interests they are not unmindful of the welfare of others and the importance of over-all ethics of behaviour and action.