Sanga in trouble after MCC speech

5 July 2011 02:00 pm - 68 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara is in hot water after his highly acclaimed lecture at Lord's, where he criticised what he alleged was a corrupt and politicised cricket administration at home.

Sangakkara received a standing ovation after his outspoken remarks but they ruffled feathers back home in Sri Lanka, where sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage ordered an investigation into the speech.

"Sangakkara’s lecture at MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) seems to have disturbed a hornet’s nest," the state-run Lankapuvath news agency said.

The minister ordered Sri Lanka Cricket to make a report on Monday's speech, it added. "Sangakkara is likely to be called to explain," the agency said.

The star's controversial claims came just days after Sri Lanka's sports minister said he had forced the national cricket board committee to step down following allegations of financial mismanagement.

In his speech, Sangakkara welcomed the International Cricket Council (ICC) directive requiring all national boards to be elected without political interference.

"We have to aspire to better administration," said Sangakkara.

"The administration needs to adopt the same values enshrined by the team over the years: integrity, transparency, commitment and discipline."

He said power games among cricket administrators, as well as board politics, had triggered rifts, ill feeling and distrust among key players.

He quit the captaincy after Sri Lanka lost the World Cup final to India.

Sangakkara, 33, became the youngest man to deliver the Cowdrey Lecture at MCC, which owns Lord's, the self-styled "home of cricket" in northwest London.

The lecture was inaugurated in 2001 in memory of the late former England captain Colin Cowdrey.

Last week, the ICC gave all member boards until its next meeting in June 2012 to implement the new board ruling and a further 12 months — to June 2013 — before any sanctions will be considered.

Colombo (AFP)

Related Story

Sanga wants politics out of SL cricket

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Comments - 68

Senior Citizen Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:44 AM

I agree with all patriotic and curageouscomments by our intelligent, patriotic citizens. Keep it uo! Let us stand against any unjustice that Sanga has to face at home on his return!

Dharsahana Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:17 AM

well done sanga You have a backbone to tell the truth

Kiri Putha Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:00 AM

Incredible speech!!! Mr. Sport minister, Sanga’s speech clearly explains the cricket board corruptions since 1996. Why do you need another statement? Act smart without being a bully. Hope we have freedom of speech in our country.

rif Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:58 AM

somebody should bring out the truth , whole world should know what is going to happen and what is going on SL cricket
he is correct

GanjaRabbit Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:55 AM

do you think he should tell that to his wife then?

PADMA Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:52 AM

Why should be afraid to talk the truth? Truth will prevail forever. Keep it up sanga we are with you…..

suba Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:46 AM

Dear Mr Tonny! are u in a CB

Luv Lanka Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:45 AM

Contrast the MCC speech with the one he gave after loosing the worl cup, clearly shows the level of interference

Dulan Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:44 AM

What a sad Minister, what a sad government

athula Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:36 AM

Congratulations ( Respice Finem ) - Look to the End

D Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:34 AM

Hon. Minister, Shut UP!

Dr.Wimal_Modawansa Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:34 AM

Politics is everything in Raja-Pakistan.

ampare son Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:33 AM

He has backbone. but dont try to come politics.

Concerned Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:46 PM

Truth must be respected. Sanga had the backbone to say the truth. We as ordinary citizens of this country commend his courage!

udara Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:36 PM

maybe the minister cant understand english.....

Kavish Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:39 PM

Westerners cheer well when someone from the third world takes off his own clothes. What Sangakkara told is true. But the place is wrong.

V NO U Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:28 PM

Mr. Minister your slip is showing...!

P.J.Roy Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:33 AM

never a truer word written!!! good on you Cynic!

Thushara Thursday, 07 July 2011 02:50 AM

This is not actually should be happened. An inquiry board required for the cricket board including minister, not for great Sanga. He is great warrior. Don't break him down idiots.

dinesh Wednesday, 06 July 2011 06:18 PM

well done sanga but care full with s. minister and this bunch of idiots is ruing the cricket so all they want is mony

kudu Wednesday, 06 July 2011 06:02 PM

tony talking macaroni
where do you want him to wash dirty linen
in your house

priyantha Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:59 PM

DEAR MINISTER WHY U ARE NOT APOINT A COMITY INVETIGATE WHAT TOLD SANGA, IT'S A TRANSPERANCY I THINK U ALSO INVOLE....................................

buggy Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:35 PM

So how do plan on getting about solving out problems? We are helpless! We need the world's help!!!

Gamini Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:07 PM

Well done Sanga. Shame on all those interefering politicians.

Husain Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:18 PM

Well done Sanga. Well done!! We are proud of you

AJ-DXB Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:15 PM

Sanga was born to a family who had taught him to speak his mind

Kiri Banda Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:27 PM

It's not who are ungrateful. It's the politicians who are ungrateful for their public.

AP Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:31 AM

Agree with Kavish.. if there is any prob in the admin or the authority, we should first sort it with relevant ppl at home it self.. Even this is not a gud time to let down our country or to criticise its activities to the International audience coz they all want this kinda things to be happend, and to lack with our own unity & peace of country (eg: channel 4 etc). Lots of countries lookin at us wit gr8 jealosy as we are heading out of all them..
Sanga has done it well and so proud of him to take that opportunity to lecture @MCC. But Sanga, dont make westerners laugh at us.. Let us solve matters at home inside.. even this should have been the reason y u quit from the captancy and you shoud hav mentioned the same to the media at that time.
BTW the minister is pathetic!

shantha Wednesday, 06 July 2011 06:22 AM

Sanga you are great.......

dhiga Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:59 AM

Sanga spoke about the rot in the cricket administration, think.... it's the same thing happening to our country.

neutralingo Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:57 AM

sanga may be another chris gayle.

nabil Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:52 AM

When the ministers talk filth they call it "Freedom of Speech" when anybody else they tell they go against the law.. wt in good earth is the meaning of this...

Abdul Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:52 AM

All Sri Lankan diplomats and politicians should take a lesson from Kumar on how to present the country to the world, it was the best speech I've heard from a Sri Lankan, Kadirgamar take a bow

Cynic Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:47 AM

It is really not the puppet minister but the puppet master who is disturbed. Educated, articulate men with backbones like Sanga are hated by the puppet master and his puppet company.

amir Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:58 PM

To cover every corrupt act now every one will point their fingers at sanga. everyone knows that the politician are the people who control this beautiful sport. not only cricket every other sport faces the same problem. If you dont agree with me explain how the navy team captain is playing for the national team when other good players are left out.

Concern Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:49 PM

We must not take this Minister seriously. He is a joker by himself. He is not a patch of Sanga. We saw what happened to him with IPL India issue. He is a big talker.

Mohamed Tuesday, 05 July 2011 03:57 PM

Dear Yehiya'
Now can you understand who is behind whom.

Bumba Tuesday, 05 July 2011 03:24 PM

"The minister ordered Sri Lanka Cricket to make a report on Monday's speech". Well this is freedom of speech.

Yehiya-Doha Tuesday, 05 July 2011 03:27 PM

Even focals are not got the chance in Hyde park in London.
This man got the chance in lord's. Best wishes to him.

Loyal Tuesday, 05 July 2011 03:27 PM

We all are with you Sanga! Politics should be removed not only from cricket but also from all other areas. No wonder if the idiots in power get this great speech wrong. Undoubtedly, he is a real patriot. .

Linda Tuesday, 05 July 2011 03:22 PM

what's new about speaking the truth gets into trouble in sri lanka?

Saman Tuesday, 05 July 2011 03:11 PM

What a wonderful speech by Sanga.....this is what he gets for speaking out the truth...how ungrateful we Sri Lankans are....its a real shame....if any harassment is done on Sanga i doubt that he will continue playing for Sri Lanka and probably retire immediately. if it comes to that it will probably be the end of SL cricket. even Mahela should retire if any trouble is caused to sanga as a form of protest as they are great friends. I hope we get to see more of Sanga and Mahela...

Kamal Nishshanka Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:58 PM

Hats off to Sanga-- Why is the Minister calling for an explanation? The Minister himself dissolved the interim Committee- for financial issues! Is he saying that the administration is fault free??

We all must stand by Sanga!!!

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:46 PM

Sanga...Yes Politicos & goons destroyed cricket !.

chris abey Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:49 PM

Maybe the Minister is finding it hard to understand what was said.We should be proud that Sanga had the honour of making such an address.On the contrary our Minister as always spoils everything.

Bumba Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:50 PM

This is the reason why he quit as captain. The cat is out of the bag. He should said the same when he quit as captain of Sri Lanka.

Imran Hussein Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:44 PM

That was a pretty straight forward speech by Sanga and the massage was so clear. No need explanation. Whats there for Sanga to explain about?
Looks like it really did hurt some fellas. They dont allow people to talk facts.

Raj Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:43 PM

Weldone Sanga, you stand tall against all. Etha kiyandath, bima nigagandath bayavenda onanee. You are a true Sri Lankan

juice_lee Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:42 PM

ordered an "investigation into the speech"... Can't the man listen to it himself. What the hell is there to investigate? Maybe he thinks the very much literate Sanga did not compile this hard hitting piece of work.. maybe the Indians wrote it! Or LTTE abroad! Is he suggesting that Sanga had anti-government motives? Even if the speech does hint at disgust at governement influence in team affairs, why can't the honourable minister brush aside his pride and applaud and support this near revolutionary speech?

osanda Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:38 PM

Mom said never be scared to speack truth and sit on the floor.
guess she is wrong after all....

Tilan Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:34 PM

well done Sanga. Like everything else in Srilanka, Srilankan politician should leave the game of cricket alone. Let proper people with adequate skills to run the team. Otherwise, we will see the demise of Cricket in Srilanka.

Marcus Malli Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:10 PM

Why should Kuma be subjected to any investigation? The guy delivered a marvellous speech without trampling on toes of any politicians. We as sri lankans should stand with him. We respect you Kuma! You´re a national treasure!

g Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:26 PM

they can read the speech till their blue they will NOT understand it. It was a masterpiece - i wish we could know who had written it

Nalin Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:31 PM

Well done Sanga .. keep it up

Kiri Banda Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:26 PM

Why does minister needs a report? Has the minister been def & blind all these years. Minister can you please publish SLC accounts?

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:24 PM

Sanga...If you want to play cricket for Sri Lanka... You can open your mouth only for yawning !

Tony Fernando Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:18 PM

Sanga is one of the best crickters in the world & a product of Sri Lanka we all are proud of.
But do not wash dirty linen in public

J,D, Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:15 PM

You are a great sportsman, who loves sports as well as the country... we salute you....

Dan Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:13 PM

Idiot, cricket is not everything for this country.

bavanajohn Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:12 PM

MAY BE THE MINISTER IS GETTING READY TO GO ENGLISH SCHOOL!

Manmohan Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:34 PM

If this government touch this great cricket it will be the end of there ruling as well
if not All Sri Lankans must be stupids !

Gamlath Tuesday, 05 July 2011 06:05 PM

Why they want a report on the speech instead remove interim committee go for fresh election should have done three months back. All politicos knows they robbing the sportsmanship

Neville Jayaweera Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:57 PM

Sangakkara's speech is extraordinary for its courage in exposing the truth about SL's cricket administration. However the truth is much wider and bigger than reported by Kumar S. The truth is that corruption in cricket is only one aspect of the corruption that stains all of SL's political and national systems today. The drift to corruption accelerated after 1970 with the blatant poiticisation of the public and judicial serrvises , Now corruption is endemic at all levels of SL, and is embedded deep in the consciousness of the nation. so that not a thousand speeches like that made by Kuar S can reverse the trend. We have developed an impunity and an immunity that would make the crocodile and the rhinoceros envious of Sri Lankans .

Deen Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:58 PM

Why investigate when its written all over the newspapers? Cant he just read it.
Plus why don't he ask for an investigation on the financial irregularities and try to get the money back instead of just dissolving and letting them walk away (with money)

Kantha Kumara Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:54 PM

he's not in trouble. there are 20 million people behind him.

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:52 PM

Truth is Bitter !.

ajantha Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:56 PM

its was great sanga...................

aragunda de silva Tuesday, 05 July 2011 05:51 PM

Sack the minister. We need an educated and cultured man in this poistion. He cant even understand a simple speech in english

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Sanga in trouble after MCC speech

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