Ranatunga’s fresh guard — politics

Many believe he will probably contest the parliamentary elections which are due before November 9. With a widespread national appeal in this cricket-mad nation, Ranatunga could be a prized catch for any political group, especially for the smaller parties which are pitted against the more established organisations.Ranatunga’s father, Reggie Ranatunga, is a deputy minister in President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s People’s Alliance government, but the younger Ranatunga is thought to be cool towards the government. Close associates said Ranatunga’s decision to quit was also fuelled by being dropped from the one-day international squad. ‘‘The selectors have been making a distinction between older players and the younger ones,’’ a close friend said. ‘‘Arjuna believes it should be more based on performance rather than just age.’’

The family friend said Ranatunga was expected to devote more attention to his private insurance broking business and spend more time with his wife Samadara, son Diyan (11) and daughter Thiyangi (7). In a letter to the cricket board in which his elder brother Dhammika is the chief executive officer, Ranatunga said his retirement decision had been a difficult one. Politicians and fans alike are awaiting to see whether the cricketing maestro makes a similar impact upon the nation as he did from the crease.