Sri Lanka need to retain Cup for all reasons

It was an evening, or should I say a night of excitement, particularly for the large crowd present. In addition to the 500-odd Sri Lankan...

It was an evening, or should I say a night of excitement, particularly for the large crowd present. In addition to the 500-odd Sri Lankans who flew on a special chartered flight to watch their heroes, there was no doubt that ninety nine percent of the Pakistani spectators were behind the Lankans. After all they were their fellow brethren from the sub-continent!

There were a few Aussie supporters in the grand slam box reserved for a few commentators where your’s truly was privileged to be, and another few in the stands cheering their team. The match itself will be remembered for its pulsating nature. First the Australians, then the Lankans and then briefly the Australians followed by the final Lanka act.

The greatest achievement from a personal point of view was Aravinda’s century and his joining a select band. But, the greatest moment for all the Sri Lankans was the fine glide by the Sri Lankan captain Ranatunga to the third man boundary, which clinched the cup for a team, which at the best was onlyranked as outsiders before the tournament. It was a dream that most Lankans would never want to wake up from. It is also a dream that most still sleep with. Perhaps that’s why the Lankan cricket team is expected to conquer the cricketing Mount Everest ever game.

All said and done, I must very strongly state that the famous World Cup triumph which has eluded the Englishmen, the Kiwis and of course the South Africans upto date, has been a great blessing to Sri Lankan cricket as well as to every serious cricketer in the country.

Ranatunga and his men not only put Sri Lanka on the cricketing map but on the international map as well. Every nation tuning into various news bulletins and sports programmes was told about a famous victory by a not-so-famous country in a game called cricket. And. what about the celebrations back home? It was not just Colombo and Kandy but the whole country which exploded to joy. Every little village in the country was either glued to their TV or transistor sets. That was theeuphoria that gripped this nation.

many new-born baby boys were called Arjuna, Aravinda, Sanath, Roshan … In addition, many budding boys/men became overnight Jayasuriyas and Kaluwitharanas. Cricket had taken its place beyond comprehension amongst the common man.

Many major changes were hurriedly taking place in the game too. The cricketing gospel was to be taken to every nook and corner of the country by those ordained cricketing evangelists. The tremendous amount money which was being re-invested by the BCCSL and of course the commercial aspects from a players point of view was very, very encouraging. Suddenly the Lankan cricketers, who were not sought after by many earlier, became overnight heroes. They were virtually at every reception, every ceremony and every important occasions in the country. Since then our cricketers have been expected to win every major championship. They haven’t disappointed, but sustaining of success is always difficult. It is far easier to get to the top but difficult toremain there. Ask Kapil Dev and the Indian cricketers about it. Especially, after being crowned the One Day Wonders in 1983.

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If one could put his finger on any major adverse effects of Sri Lanka winning the World Cup, it should be the high expectancy level from their crazy fans at home. This could be a major worrying factor to our team as they attempt to defend the championship. Of course, in fairness to the local supporters, there are no burning or stone throwing but they are not very optimistic either. They apprehend the very interest in cricket will die if the Lankans fail in England? Will it disintegrate faster than the interest created by winning in 1996?

On the other side of the coin is the possible effects it might have on the game itself. There is no doubt that sponsorships of a very lucrative nature were secured after 1996. And the domestic cricket structure in Sri Lanka, which has expanded heavily, needs finances to up it going. These may be some of the thoughts that are going through ourcricketers’ minds, particularly the captain. It confirms the thinking that winning the World Cup in 1996 was important and good for Sri Lankan cricket, but retention of the coveted cup, to my mind, is more important.