Too early for Sanga to be selector- Arjuna

5 April 2016 06:10 pm - 49 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Sri Lanka captain and Minister Arjuna Ranatunga today said he was dissatisfied with the Sports Minister’s decision to appoint Veteran Sri Lankan batsman and former cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara as a member to the National Selection Committee, so early after his retirement.

Instead, Sangakkara should have been appointed to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket, Minister Ranatunga said in a discussion held with regard to the current scenario of Sri Lanka Cricket.

He said a former cricketer should be appointed to a National Selection Committee at least five years after his retirement.

Since those who played with Sangakkara are still in the team, his appointment to the Selection Committee was not a wise decision, he said.

“I also received an offer to be appointed to the Selection Committee just one year after my retirement. But, I rejected it because I felt that I might do some mistakes in the post with lack of experience. Those who played with Sangakkara are still in the team. Such decisions should not be taken by the authority,” he said.

He went on to say that former cricketers like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene could be appointed for the posts to develop Cricket techniques of the current SL national team players and new comers.

He also said that the Sports Minister should have a “backbone” to remove the current Chairman of the Cricket Board, due to problems after the new appointment.

“The Board of Control should be dissolved and an interim committee should be appointed soon to save Sri Lanka Cricket from businessmen. Those administrators are responsible for the fiasco which has disturbed the team's World Cup preparations as well. We have good players, but they should be backed properly. The administrators should not leave room for the players to lose their hope and confidence at any cost,” he said.

The President of the newly appointed National Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket Aravinda de Silva said he would work in the post until April 30 as he informed the Minister prior to assuming duties.

He also said that a five-year future plan should be prepared to uplift Sri Lanka Cricket which is now undergoing a setback following continuous defeats in the recent matches and matters such as coaching, tournaments, players, umpires and officials should be covered by this plan that should not be changed at any time, regardless of changes in the Cricket administration.

He said investments should be made not for the infrastructure of Cricket but for Human Resource Development and attention should also be paid for the development of school Cricket System where future Cricket legends are born.

Speaking on the recently concluded T20 World Cup where the SL team embarrassingly failed, former cricketer Aravinda de Silva took responsibility as the President of the National Selection Committee for the setback.

He said even though they expected the combination of the team would be a success it was not so. However, he said Cricketers like Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal need backing to encourage them in the future.

With regard to Lasith Malinga’s allegations that he was named for the T20 WC against his will, Aravinda de Silva refuted the allegations and reiterated that Malinga had expressed his willingness to play for the T20 via an email message.

He also said even though Malinga called off the T20 WC citing his physical fitness problem, everyone would be able to see in the future how Malinga would be fit for which sort of matches and when. (Piyumi Fonseka)

Video by Richan

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Comments - 49

clueless Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:30 AM

wasnt his brother part of the administration who ruined cricket in sri lanka. via DM Android App

sacre blieu Wednesday, 06 April 2016 08:46 AM

Kumar Sangakara has been an absolute gentleman off the field inspiring all around him by his conduct. That is , to a greater extent, due to his been a magnificent sportsman on the field and has been steeped in the culture . Although I disagree totally about sports been engaged for money, I must say, although sadly in a sense, we have excellent talent in our youth in all fields of sports, and it is regrettable that they are not adequately groomed in the real spirit of the game. Money is the root of all evil.

S.P.RAMKUMAR Wednesday, 06 April 2016 08:49 AM

Hon. Arjuna must allow to the Minister and Elected board to work. His unnecessary involvement is create demotivate situation on SL cricket.

Man Wednesday, 06 April 2016 08:58 AM

Check the averages of the players played in the first class matches of SL, concluded in the last season when selecting players for the test series in England. Thirimanne is useless.

lali Wednesday, 06 April 2016 08:59 AM

He should look after his own ministry without interfering others.

Dan Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:00 AM

Arjuna speaks as if he is a clean politician and he owns Sri Lanka cricket. But history since 1996 is different. He tried to get into the cricket board hiding behind his controversial brother. He then appointed another brother as Chairman of Ports Authority. While he was the head of SLC he antagonized the Indian cricket board without showing an iota of diplomacyAt the World Cup finals - 2015 in Melbourne even though he walked to the centre with other past winning captains Clive Lloyd and Kapil Dev, his name was not even mentioned in the public announcing system. So much for the respect he has internationally.I think it is high time that he allows the Minister of Sports to run the Ministry and mind his own Ministry.

Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:02 AM

Totally agree with Jayantha.

Manuel Benjamin Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:10 AM

Arjuna is equivalent to Mahinda as they maintain family politics.

Desmond Jeromme Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:12 AM

Why are you concerned about the greedy fellow who is always up to money.

J Palitha Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:12 AM

No one cares for this good for nothing fellow.

Norman Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:14 AM

Arjuna we respect you for captaining a world cup winning team. That does not mean that you have the right to poke your nose at every matter concerning cricket.

Kiris Baba Amaray Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:14 AM

Those days before getting in to politics, Arjuna was a good sportsman. Now he had become a dictator like MR.

ground-boy Wednesday, 06 April 2016 09:30 AM

I would like to know Sanga's response before posting my profound comment.

Veera Wednesday, 06 April 2016 08:36 AM

Arvinda is a wise man he put everything in right way.Like he said lets wait and see when Malinga gets his fitness back.

P. Perera Wednesday, 06 April 2016 11:00 AM

Arjuna is now a politician. He is out of sense.

Azeez Wednesday, 06 April 2016 11:22 AM

World Cup 1996 was won mainly because of the contribution of brilliant players like Aravinda, Sanath, Muralidaran and others. via DM Android App

6666 Wednesday, 06 April 2016 11:45 AM

Got an idea! Sanga too young, Mahinda too old.

Sam Wednesday, 06 April 2016 11:59 AM

What ever said or done, AR and his team won the World Cup and so far has not reached to its heights.

sila Wednesday, 06 April 2016 12:04 PM

Sanga & Mhela are the people who destroyed SL cricket. They may be good players but they are the ones who created politics. They have never given a chance to a young player to come up and bat in number 3 or 4. Arjuna, you are right. Keep it up!

sobers Wednesday, 06 April 2016 01:30 PM

Sanga is much capable, do not under estimate him. He is qualified even to be the foreign Minister.

Aj Wednesday, 06 April 2016 02:29 PM

The best about Sanga and Mahela IS they still back up malinga, all machangs are right, Mali's fitness will be proved soon when the IPL comes and also we need to respect Aravinda for his services rendered to Sri Lanka cricket.

anu Wednesday, 06 April 2016 02:58 PM

Arjuna acts on jealousy. Everyone knows what you are trying to do. If you become the chairman of the interim committee, your brother will be either secretary or CEO. Do not disgrace Sanga. He is our one and only. Not too long you will be wiped off from politics. So sad to see Ara sat down with this greedy man. You will never do any good to SL cricket but destroy it for sure.

sunny Wednesday, 06 April 2016 03:54 PM

It is too early for Arjuna to be a Member of Parliament and a Ministor

gdj100 Wednesday, 06 April 2016 04:20 PM

Don't know if anyone else got the last point made by Aravinda, but it makes perfect sense as Malinga becomes fit for all IPL games and then becomes unfit for national games.

Chandra Friday, 08 April 2016 01:51 AM

Well said Anu. Ova denu para hata thma sammathe pihita sita!

Ram Wednesday, 06 April 2016 03:19 AM

Sour grapes

Desmond Jeromme Tuesday, 05 April 2016 09:24 PM

Arjuna are you off the head or because of your Political Powers you are talking too much these days. Please don't disgrace our Cricketing Legends, they have performed more than you.

Vijith Pieterz Tuesday, 05 April 2016 09:27 PM

Stop Hon. Minister stop, enough and enough hearing your adverse comments. You cannot command anyone now. Heaven sake, keep up your good name as Cool Captain and don't try to be a Cooking Captain.

Roger Tuesday, 05 April 2016 09:37 PM

well said Jayantha

AB Tuesday, 05 April 2016 09:39 PM

Listen to this Man. Its getting proved he is correct. via DM Android App

NishanSenarath Tuesday, 05 April 2016 09:59 PM

How can Arjuna talk about prathipathrhii when he appointed his own brother to the port. Dhammika has no education qualification, management experience or decorum to hold this post. He only knows to call journalist "BUGGERS" and threaten Juno's.

Oma yang Tuesday, 05 April 2016 10:13 PM

Andrew Strauss was appointed to the ECB post of director soon after he retired. Arjuna you have done and yeoman service to the country and we are proud of you. But stop being a bull in the china shop and let dayasiri do what he was appointed to do. Sometimes the best sportsmen don't necessarily become great administrators.

Shan Tuesday, 05 April 2016 10:59 PM

Your time of cricket is history, why do you want to hang on to cricket? Look after your ministry for God's sake.

Coconut Republic Tuesday, 05 April 2016 11:14 PM

A fitting response!

budi Tuesday, 05 April 2016 11:24 PM

Dont tell me about Ranatunga family... via DM Android App

Sinking ship Wednesday, 06 April 2016 01:42 AM

Arjuna has yet to prove himself in the all important shipping ministry. Too early all right!

Indyd Wednesday, 06 April 2016 03:15 AM

This is something I totally agree with Arjuna after a long time. We cannot expect unbiased selection from Sanga as has so many 'machans' in the current team. Aravinda thinks that theories in mid 80s - 90s are still applicable where as now if no value to the team means, that person must not even bench warmer. (applies to many in the current selection).

Jayantha Tuesday, 05 April 2016 06:39 PM

I think Arjuna is too early to be appointed as Minister because He mistakenly appointed his brother as Chairman of Ports Authority

dham Wednesday, 06 April 2016 03:26 AM

Until Ranatungas name clear from various allegations not involve any cricket activity via DM Android App

saman Wednesday, 06 April 2016 04:04 AM

I think Arjuna should be doing his ministerial instead of offering his free advices. SL national team needs all the help they can get from our former players to be competitive again.

Nathan Wednesday, 06 April 2016 04:22 AM

Sanga is a legend and nearly 40 yrs old..He definitely know who is best and who will be best so, he is well deserved to be a member for selection committee.....Does Arjuna jealous of him ?

gamini settunayake Wednesday, 06 April 2016 04:27 AM

I fully agree with Aravinda that the SLCB should have a 5yr strategic plan with a vision to make the team the best in the world. It should also include under training and development, an effective mind training programme for players and a leadership building programme to produce a good leader.It is recommended that the Minister appoint an advisory panel from local experts in positive psychology and human motivation.

Veda-mama Wednesday, 06 April 2016 04:40 AM

Bull's Eye.... Must learn not to judge others by your own standard.

Veda-mama Wednesday, 06 April 2016 04:45 AM

Did Malinga undergo a MRI Scan and what was the outcome?

Gamini Wednesday, 06 April 2016 06:11 AM

I think Arjuna has no credibility left .He wants his brother to run cricket in sri lanka. Sanga is well respected everwhere i think he has best interest of sri lanka cricket at heart.Ranatunga want to exploit past glory.

dillondp Wednesday, 06 April 2016 06:58 AM

Well I agree with Arjuna he has a definite point. And Jayantha ajujuna was elected by people to become a minister not appointed by a governing body. May be u should step out there is a world beyong cricket which is far more worse .

words Wednesday, 06 April 2016 07:51 AM

why is he giving his two cents on this topic.. just cause he wagged a finger at an umpire and won a world cup does not make him an authority on cricket nor does it make cricket his property via DM Android App

Liswom Wednesday, 06 April 2016 07:58 AM

What has happened to his letter of demand to the SLC President He is born to criticise others. via DM Android App

aruna Wednesday, 06 April 2016 08:07 AM

I think we all know malinga did not play because he wanted to play in IPL and make some money and retire. he played long enough and it's time for him to think about himself and let a new guy play and learn.

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Too early for Sanga to be selector- Arjuna

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