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Journalism of Courage
India’s well-chronicled search for a coach, though moving at a snail’s pace, at least has the advantage of a known employer to whom CVs should be addressed. The case of Sri Lanka is much more fluid: There are two addresses, with neither talking to the other.
The on-going row since March 23 between the government-appointed Interim Committee and the board of Sri Lanka Cricket could see the team left in the lurch, with a minor one-day series and a major tour of the West Indies coming up.
Speaking to local journalists, SLC chief Thilanga Sumathipala has flatly stated that any appointments made by the Interim Committee would not be recognised by SLC should they win their court case with the government.
Asked if this meant a coach, Sumathipala repeated the statement that whatever the Interim Committee did would not have the approval of the SLC constituent members, the clubs. ‘‘They (Interim Committee) can hire and appoint whoever they want, it won’t matter as we have no interest in what they do or who they appoint’’, he said.
So who are the SLC talking to? Sumathipala said they were still in discussions with John Dyson to renegotiate his contract. But the SLC were not talking to Greg Chappell, neither were they in discussions with those such as Dean Jones.
Interestingly, an Interim Committee spokesman said they also had a list of candidates for the coaching post but Greg Chappell’s name wasn’t on it. In any event, Jones is thought to have a price tag that would be too much for Sri Lanka.
The raging cricket squabble has descended into a barroom-style brawl with pettiness and a verbal tirade from SLC against players selected for the Abu Dhabi triangular, who will travel without a physiotherapist and coach and Sri Lanka kit.
Under instructions from Sumathipala, the players selected for the UAE tournament last Sunday were twice refused practice facilities at the Sinhalese Sports Club by deliberate SLC obfuscation.
They withheld practice balls, as ‘correct protocols were not followed for the release of the balls for practice’, and the use of water.
Sumathipala said the team’s coach had to hand a list of requirements for the team’s practice to the SLC’s director of coaching and development affairs, Bandula Warnapura.
When it was pointed out that there was no coach, SLC officials became abusive and threatened electronic media who were taking video footage of the players being denied use of the practice facilities.
Marvan Atapattu adopted a diplomatic approach to what amounts to a slap in the face for the players.
They were given a warm welcome on their return from New Zealand a week ago by SLC officials, and met Sumathipala at the board. Since their meeting with the government appointed Interim Committee last Thursday, SLC in a fit of pique have refused to help the side prepare for the tournament.
They have also withdrawn recognition of players contracts rights and there is a threat not to renew contracts. Sumathipala, out on bail on criminal charges, is also the subject of a probe by the International Council Cricket over his gaming links, but is thumbing his nose at the ICC and the government.
Should the impasse linger, Sri Lanka, who are to host West Indies A on a tour stating next month, may have to cancel the tour.
