The game of cricket becoming a damp squib!

The cricket saga has regrettably become  quite an ignominious affair  that we have witnessed in the recent past, with the onset of the ICC tournament. Gone are the days that the citizenry revelled in the moments of ecstasy when our national team was pitted against  rival teams, which they faced with much panache and did justice to the game. The game of Cricket, no doubt, is the favourite sport of the man in the street, and an occasion to spend time in a spirit of camaraderie and cheer.

But now cricket has plunged into an abyss of shame and derision; the comments of those who made it to the venue to watch the ICC encounter with the New Zealand team, expressed   outrage.   And yet,  the  Sri Lanka Cricket  Board and its administration seems to be absolved from its responsibility to address the glaring weaknesses in grooming and selecting the most competent players, monitoring their performance, and boosting their morale while sustaining the team spirit. 

It is time for the Cricket board to do some soul searching and restore the integrity and pride of our team.  It is not surprising that the cricket loving populace are venting their frustration  by staging a demonstration a few days ago outside the SLC headquarters, demanding the resignation of the Cricket board President.

If the glamour and excitement of the game  which is beginning to wane rapidly  is not addressed,  the spectator fervour and support for our team and players will be lost. When matches that have the potential to be won end up as a damp squib, cricket enthusiasts  will shun this  ever popular game that brings our citizenry together in the spirit of a pluralistic society,  transcending all our differences. 

Don Peter

Dehiwela