Dhammika unfazed

MUMBAI, AUGUST 10: Dhammika Ranatunga, the Chief Executive Officer of Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, played down the cricketi...

MUMBAI, AUGUST 10: Dhammika Ranatunga, the Chief Executive Officer of Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, played down the cricketing upheavals in the island nation.

Ranatunga said he did not want to trot excuses but, nevertheless, said that his country8217;s display in the recent World Cup debacle was just 8220;one of the bad tours8221; that any country could experience.

8220;There were a lot contributory factors like the climate, Dukes ball etc. that led to our defeat. It eventually boils down to the resources that are available. Let8217;s not forget that the two teams Australia and West Indies that reached the final possessed the strongest bowling attacks,8221; explained the brother of deposed Lankan skipper Arjuna while speaking to newsmen on Monday evening.

Dhammika would not be drawn into the much-debated topic of his Arjuna8217;s retirement. 8220;I8217;m not in a position to answer the query since it pertains to another individual. It is for Arjuna to look at various options like whether he has the hunger and is fit to play international cricket. But as far as I know, he is pretty keen to continue.8221;

Dhammika, one of the invitees at the Sony Entertainment Television SET Limited8217;s press meet to announce the company8217;s foray in telecasting international cricket, felt that there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between international and domestic set up to improve the standard of Lankan cricket. 8220;The international cricketers of Sri Lanka should play a fair percentage of domestic cricket,8221; he opined.

Commenting on the public outrage in Lanka after the team8217;s dismal display at the World Cup, Dhammika said, 8220;sub-continent people are very emotional. Besides, the media should also present a proper picture.8221;

Dhammika said that the BCCSL has done its bit by appointing a media manager for the Lankan team.