Select the best cricket team –MR

4 January 2011 11:52 am - 96 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa today instructed the Sri Lankan Cricket authorities to select the best players for the forthcoming Cricket Word Cup 2011, the President’s House said.

In a meeting with the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee at Temple Trees this morning, the President had instructed the officials not to leave out Cricketers on whims and fancies of various people and select the best fifteen players for the team. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 96

Chamara Silva Tuesday, 04 January 2011 10:32 PM

please what ever happen dont select Chamara Silva and Sanatha lokka

Leslie Wednesday, 05 January 2011 05:45 AM

With persons like Aravinda at SLC they will definitely select the best team possible. Unless otherwise the President knows the ,best, like the cabinet he has selected !!!

shavantha Wednesday, 05 January 2011 04:08 AM

Wish Aravinda de SIlva will select him self to No4 slot we seriously need that bloke

Patriot Wednesday, 05 January 2011 02:52 AM

We already have an talented team with hopeful players., to bring the world cup again to our country. Therefore Please don't interfere to our victory.

victoria Wednesday, 05 January 2011 02:33 AM

The country should be first??

Johann Gunasekara Wednesday, 05 January 2011 02:08 AM

Interim committee should resign

Ranjith Wednesday, 05 January 2011 01:41 AM

Well, Our victorious president in play mood. He fell involve with cricket whether he is good at cricket or not he should well welcome to joint. I never seen DUTUGAMUNU But I can see MAHINDA.

Jason Patta Wednesday, 05 January 2011 01:36 AM

Here we go again. There's no end to political interference in all spheres of our lives. When will be ever be free from this political meddling?

Zif Wednesday, 05 January 2011 01:29 AM

First President should select the best team for his cabinet, before asking the cricket board.

Mushroom Wednesday, 05 January 2011 01:11 AM

Amused by Amused's comments !!

Anton Tuesday, 04 January 2011 11:07 PM

I have a good idea. Chinthanaya has enough money to buy the Opposition MPs. There could still be some excess money from the tsunami funds and all the commissions. So why not palm off a few billions to the outside players and also to the umpires and win the World Cup for MotherLanka. If it could be done in politics, why not in Cricket!

shehandvj Wednesday, 05 January 2011 06:06 AM

Did he mean 'Best players on past performances???"

ranjan Rodrigo Tuesday, 04 January 2011 10:32 PM

In no other country will President have time to ask Cricket selectors to select the best and not omit due to personal reasons.
Ranjan Rodrigo, Sydney

ranbanda Tuesday, 04 January 2011 09:11 PM

where in the world does a president advice the cricket board
what state of affairs in SL .Its going down the drain into the gutters forget about the world cup.

ranjan Rodrigo Tuesday, 04 January 2011 08:37 PM

I will leave out Thilan and Thilina and bring in Chamara Silva and Mubarak who are both now performing may be as they have matured.Mahroof is not a good fielder or else he being a power hitter shud be there.Hamara is a superb fielder unlike youe two who are slow in field.

indy Tuesday, 04 January 2011 08:35 PM

this is the only intelligent & realistic comment on the article

President Tuesday, 04 January 2011 07:57 PM

Wimal Weerawansa ( C)
Namal Rajapaksa ( VC)
Basil
Kotapaya
Samal Rajapaksa
Dm Jayaratna
SP Dissayaka
Mervis Silva
Arumugam thondaman
Athaullah
Mithiripala Srisena
Nimal Sripalade Silva
GL pieris

I authorised the above team will play for the forthcoming test and one day cricket series.

President

Amused Tuesday, 04 January 2011 07:36 PM

The President is an enlightened person and all SL should be proud. HE is always trying to keep best "Talent" on his side and not in the opposing side as the "Royalist" fears. He does the same with govt parliamentary group! Opposition policies and supporters elected by other parties are recognised and elevated to serve better as Ministers, than languishing in the opposition! Great Idea comes only from competent leaders! Well done HE and based on your wisdom the World Cup will be ours. Jayawewa.

Amused Tuesday, 04 January 2011 07:20 PM

The selectors were not going to select the best team up to now. They have now got a clear direction from the CEO. No wrries they can do their job without "Fear or Favour". Well done HE. Other test playing nation leaders are not as competent as ours, so they do not and/or can not get involved due to lack of knowledge.

bigsam Tuesday, 04 January 2011 07:22 PM

I say Jude - is your real name Ponting or Dhoni?

bigsam Tuesday, 04 January 2011 07:15 PM

Rajitha, lighten up - TOEJOE wasn't serious.

Dushyantha Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:45 PM

I would suggest instead of Kandamby - Chamara Kapugedara should be included in the team.

ashanthi Wednesday, 05 January 2011 11:32 AM

My choice & the batting order..

1.dilshan
2.mahela
3.chandimal
4.sanga
5.S'weera / C.silva
6.Kandambi
7.Mathews
8.Thisara
9.Vasy
10.Murali
11.Lasith

Extra
12.Suraj - spinner
13.Tharanga - batsmen
14.Kulasekara - face baller
15.thushara Mirando - face baller

we have blasting 3 batsmen top order & down to 9 every one can bat...
also I prefer kandambi as he's in Arjuna's caliber who can really keep the score board running while saving his wicket...
Also I sujjest mahela to open with dily as even though tharanga is in form his strike rate will definitly effect in these kind of tournaments.also we need the experience of vasy as apart from malinga there is no baller we can rely.

hmm Tuesday, 01 July 2014 12:03 AM

doesnt seem lyk a sri lankan via DM Android App

Pissu Poosa Thursday, 06 January 2011 04:43 AM

Yes as MR says select Sanath plus the best team.

Lal Thursday, 06 January 2011 02:09 AM

PABA AS THE CHEERLEADER!

Lal Thursday, 06 January 2011 02:09 AM

CAN PRESIDENT DIRECT SLC APPOINT PABA AS WELL TO THE TEAM - AS A CHEERLEADER??

Ramzil Thursday, 06 January 2011 12:38 AM

Ranil Wickramasinghe should be the captain. He brings luck!

rohandil Wednesday, 05 January 2011 04:50 PM

This is my selection for the World Cup
1.mahela
2.dilshan
3.sanga
4.sanath
5.chamara
6.mathews
7.thisara
8.vass
9.nuwan
10.lasith
11.murali

12.tharanga
13.chamara
14.suraj
15.suranga lakmal

Son of Satan Wednesday, 05 January 2011 04:45 PM

And high time to gracefully retire...keeping that respect we have for him rather than be another Arjuna

Yaseen Wednesday, 05 January 2011 02:39 PM

My Choice

1) Mahinda Rajapakse ( capt)
2) Gotabaya Rajapakse
3) Basil Rajapakse
4) Chamal Rajapakse
5) Namal Rajapakse
6) Yoshitha Rajapakse
7) Rohitha Rajapakse
8) Sasheendra Rajapakse
9) Sajin Vaas Gunawardena
10 )Duminda Silva
11) Wimal Weerawansa

12th Man - Dr. Mervyn Silva

Faleeldeen Wednesday, 05 January 2011 01:20 PM

Mr. President....this is sheer descrimination against Muslims. We want one of our clowns in pls. You can do "justice" a favor.

jayantha Wednesday, 05 January 2011 11:35 AM

M.Silva to push the drinks trolley.

pippa Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:27 PM

Everybody forgot Dr Mervyn.

noxurs Wednesday, 05 January 2011 11:31 AM

Do political leaders of other countries also instruct sporting bodies to select the best sides. Will Manmohan Singh or for that matter Raul Gandhi ever advise Indian cricket Board to select the best side. This is pure cheap popularity seeking. Sporting bodies know that they have to select the best sides. When we won world cup in 1996 did Chandrika instruct to select the best side?!

ruwan Wednesday, 05 January 2011 11:10 AM

MR should select best team to the run countru and cricket team.

deepal Wednesday, 05 January 2011 10:10 AM

My final 15

1.Upul Tharanga (1)
2. Thilakerathne Dilshan(2)
3. Kumar Sangakkara(3)
4. Mahela Jayawardane(4)
5. Anjelo Mathews(5)
6. Thilan Samaraweera(6)(Roshan Mahanama's place)
7. Thisara Perera(7)
8. Suraj Randiv (8)
9.Lasith Malinga(9)
10. Nuwan kulasekara(10)
11.Mutthiah Muralitheran(11)

12. Chamara Kapugedara(Specialist batsman -if extra bat needed for no.7)
13. Ajantha Mendis (as spinner for no.8)
14.Chanka Welagedera(as fast bowler for no.10)
15. Jeewan mendis ( Allrounder replacement )

Bluff Bluff Wednesday, 05 January 2011 10:09 AM

Please keep the politics aside. Politicians please keep away. There is a man already who has wealth of experience in cricket appointed for this task. He does not need any political advice for that. Let him do his job.

chris Wednesday, 05 January 2011 08:54 AM

sanga,mahela,upul tharanga.dilshan,mathews.lasith malinga,
murli, thilan.,kapugedera,randiv,kulasekera,dilhira maharoof,
vass,jeewan

viraj Wednesday, 05 January 2011 08:38 AM

yessss... he done a great job for srilanka cricket..

Kiri-kata Wednesday, 05 January 2011 08:07 AM

My Selection.
1.Upul Tharanga
2.T.M.Dilshan
3.K.Sangakkara
4.M.Jayawardena
5.C.Kapugedera
6.A.Mathews
7.Thisara Perera
8.Chaminda Vaas
9.Suraj Randiv
10.N.Kulasekara
11.Lasith Malinga.

12.Thilan Samaraweera
13.Mutthiah Muralitheran
14.Jeewan mendis
15.F.Maharoof.
But I am sure Old Boy Sana will be selected.

bis Wednesday, 05 January 2011 07:15 AM

Good team except Sana include Chandima!

Hassan Wednesday, 05 January 2011 06:19 AM

i like this freedom. letting any one to tel any thing thanks for all who gave us the freedom.

Vikum Wednesday, 05 January 2011 06:12 AM

1. Upul Tharanga
2. Thilakerathne Dilshan
3. Kumar Sangakkara
4. Mahela Jayawardane
5. Thilan Samaraweera
6. Chamara Kapugedara
7. Chamara silva as specialist batsman
8. Anjelo Mathews
9. Thisara Perera
10. Chaminda Vass as all rounders
11. Ajantha Mendis
12. Muralidaran
13. Suraj Randiv as spinners
14. Nuwan kulasekara
15. Dilhara Fernando as specialist fast bowlers.

Janath Jayaweera Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:05 PM

Pls president let our popular game exists without political interference, don't try to do everything on your own.

ruwan Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:53 PM

Then that old money-minded non-performing cricketer turned politician should be left out !!!!!

Nips Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:52 PM

If Sanath plays the world cup, Im supporting India.

Daya Perera Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:50 PM

Sanath should step down gracefully. As a MP he should concentrate more to serve the poor.

Rajitha Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:45 PM

i think he's implying not to take the sanath in...

Rajitha Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:44 PM

where's Aravinda???? you have left out the all time best batsman sri lanka has ever produced!!

roshan123 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:35 PM

Sana is the best . we should have experience player in

farhan Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:08 PM

even this your statement no good for selector...

CrazyCicFan Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:09 PM

I think there's no need of MR to advise on this. Because great Aravinda knows what he's supposed to do and best to do.

I Hussein Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:09 PM

Sajin,Wimal, Duminda and Namal too perhaps?

lalinda Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:01 PM

If sana is going to be included in the first 15, it will mess up the team spirit and result in absolutely ineffective ODI team.

jude Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:01 PM

Sanath and Vass shoud play if we want to qulify for at least the semis owinng to their experience talent and physical fitness.CAn anybody replace these two legends?

OsandaSaumya Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:59 PM

Best Team

D. S de Silva Captain
Nishantha Ranathunga
Santh Jayasuriya
Promodya Wickramasighe
Jehan Mubark
Chaminda Vass
Namal Rajapakse
Asantha De mel

TPB Tuesday, 04 January 2011 01:02 PM

Depends on what he means by the best team

King Kong Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:55 PM

Any combination without SANA will be a best team!!!!!!!!!!

Royalist Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:48 PM

Great... Sanaa can be picked up to play for the 'other side'!

Benadict Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:42 PM

MR PRESIDENT !
Please don't interfere, cricket authorities know better than you.

Dimz Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:43 PM

This is a real joke.. After done everything MR ammend it again and take vast media publicity. I wonder why these ministers maintain by our Tax ??

ravi .s Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:28 PM

does it means that SJ is still the best ???????????
Automatically selected ?

Cobra Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:25 PM

They will, if they are left to do their job without political interference!!!

Jagath Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:30 PM

MR should first select the best to run the cricket board. Not the present crowd who are corrupt.

Amarapala Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:31 PM

Getting involved in selecting a team. Does not he has any other things to do

Razor Blade Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:23 PM

Victorious President's advice came at the right time, make the best out of it to win & bring the World Cup back. GOOD LUCK TEAM SRI LANKA.

TOEJOE Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:17 PM

1.arujuna (capt)
2. sanath
3.mavan
4vass
5sanga
6mahela
7murali
8etc etc etc

Senior Citizen Tuesday, 04 January 2011 04:47 PM

Everything in SL according to Media happens with his advice, patronage, direction, vision, thinking (and anything else). No one else thinks, acts, or have vision.

Danton Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:22 PM

Namal come on try to enter like you do when you go to your Village.

Priyantha Perera Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:21 PM

1.sanga 2.mahela 3.dilshan 4tharanga 5.mathews 6silva 7.thisara 8malinga 9.kula 10.randeev 11murali 12 A.mendis 13J.mendis 14.Udawatta 15fernando

bala Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:21 PM

sana was a good team player before entering in to politics....then we had lot respect and prefrence for him......but now he has been declined / demoted to a politician(you all know all the mps have sold their vehicle permits,,including jvp-iers)

King Kasyapa Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:17 PM

Hello Sanath, please have no worries about ungrateful folks. If you score a century they will embrace you with garlands of love and, if you were gone cheaply in the next encounter, the very same stupid ones will kick. We have climbed high on your shoulders, though we speak very high of others in SL team, none of them has reached close to the centuries that you scored for your country. It's ur passion, we want to see our hero come alive there again, play as long as you feel so. Let our wishes to be an encouragement to you to take us to a further step, disregard of ungrateful folks.

namal Tuesday, 04 January 2011 06:04 PM

No! Gota, Chamal, Mahinda, Basil, Sajin, Wimal, Namal, Mervin, MR's second son, third son, Sana, Dinesh G. Howz that?

citizen1 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 05:35 PM

Sometimes I wonder about MR..

indike Tuesday, 04 January 2011 05:34 PM

I think Aravinda would select the following as his final 15.

1.Mahela Jayawardena
2.Tillekaratne Dilshan
3.Kumar Sangakkara
4.Upul Tharanga
5.Thilina Kandamby
6.Angelo Mathews
7.Thilan Samaraweera
8.Nuwan Kulasekera
9.Lasith Malinga
10.Muttiah Muralitharan
11.Ajantha Mendis

12. Chamara Kapugedara (12th man for the whole world cup/specialist batsman)

13. Suraj Randiv (reserve specialist off-spinner)
14.Sanath Jayasuriya (reserve specialist on all departments)
15.Dilhara Fernando (reserve specialist fast bowler)

Although there's enough spinners I selected Suraj Randiv in the 15 as Aravinda also would have him. Also I went for experienced Sanath Jayasuriya instead of Jeevan Mendis

citizen1 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 05:34 PM

Please, please include mervin silva so we can be entertained! He might tie up the umpire if the results are not ideal.

citizen1 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 05:28 PM

Too late.. he is already involved. Even named a few stadiums after himself.

citizen1 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 05:28 PM

apparently not.

citizen1 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 05:26 PM

What about mervin?? He might be the best candidate!?

DHA Tuesday, 04 January 2011 11:58 AM

Now Sana boy would've got an Automatic entry to the top 11

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 04 January 2011 04:25 PM

I'm 98 years old...I'm much more experienced than Sana Boy !.

kumar Tuesday, 04 January 2011 03:51 PM

we need SJ's experience and luck in the team to win the world cup.

nimal gune Tuesday, 04 January 2011 03:53 PM

Just like you slected the best cabinet???

Lalith Tuesday, 04 January 2011 03:34 PM

No Mr. President!

SL Needs the "winning" team, what ever that is.

Neomal Tuesday, 04 January 2011 03:38 PM

Select the best. Like the Cabinet.

Senior Citizen Tuesday, 04 January 2011 03:35 PM

No he means to take him in disregarding others whims & fancies.

josh Tuesday, 04 January 2011 02:42 PM

indirectly he's saying to keep sanath in!!

ONLOOKER Tuesday, 04 January 2011 02:22 PM

Legends or Brigands, man go get your head examined.

rohandil Tuesday, 04 January 2011 02:16 PM

Let them(Vass/Sana) play for the last time in the world cup...both are very good players to be left out and SL has good chance of winning the World Cup.

Darrak Tuesday, 04 January 2011 02:04 PM

Shame on Sri Lanka if the blind old sana plays....he cant even lift a bat....shame shame.....

Ranjith Tuesday, 04 January 2011 02:00 PM

No leader in other test playing nations influence in selections. SJ in SL team? Joke of the century

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Select the best cricket team –MR

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