Political plaster for ageing blaster

Has the inclusion of almost thirty nine year old (38 years and 323 days) Sanath Jayasuriya for the Asia Cup upset the hornets’ nest in cricket in Sri Lanka? The veteran batsman was originally kept out of the squad, but, was included as a result of the insistence of Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge. There is no argument that though appointed by the incumbent minister, the selection committee consists of past players who have played the game at the highest level and are people who possess a good command of the game, while the minister is only another layman who has been handed over the subject through a political decision.

An insider speaking to The Sunday Times said that they had originally left out Jayasuriya as a result of their vision for the future. He pointed out that the next World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka and the rest of the Indian Sub-continent in 2011 and they were looking at the bigger picture when it came to selections. He said that they were aware of the reasons of opener Tharanga’s batting slump and had spoken to him on the subject.

He also added that for Tharanga who they think is a batsman of great potential should be out there involved with the game if he is to come out of his present predicament, and added can Sanath who is almost 39 years of age at present be there at the next World Cup? If not they had to start building now.

Jayasuriya’s inclusion may also lead up to other complications. The captain is also a part of a selection panel. So he may be a person who has his sights on the long term results rather than the short term gains. If then a player and a very senior one at that who is included against the tide just might be a difficult customer to handle on and off the field and that could develop some concerns in the Lankan dressing room.

In short the minister may have the right to change any decision taken by the selectors, but, those decisions taken must add value and not problems.