by Sidath Sameera
After the humiliating defeat in 1st test against South Africa, two new faces have been included to the Sri Lankan squad. At the moment, Sri Lanka has a big problem in fitness of their players, especially fast bowlers.
After finishing the Centurion test in two and a half days. Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said they are expecting to see Nuwan Kulasekara & Dhammika Prasad as recover to injured Nuwan Pradeep. Who went back to Sri Lanka after bowling just 10 deliveries in the practice match. Both Kulasekara & Prasad were not in the original squad because of injuries. Apart from these players, fast bowlers Shaminda Eranga, Suranga Lakmal & regular wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardena are also on the injured list.
But according to reports, the Sri Lankan sports minister didn't approved Kulasekara's selection. So instead of Kulasekara, selectors had to select uncapped Kanishka Alvitigala for the Sri Lankan squad. It has been a mystery to everyone. Finally, yesterday evening Sri Lankan sports minister decided to explain reason behind it to the media.
"I know all of you might have been surprised by my decision. But as always there is a very good reason behind it. You know the situation in Sri Lanka cricket is horrible. Simply it's bankrupt & we couldn't pay players for 8 months. So we have to work carefully & frugality. We can't afford to waste money."
Minister explained the current situation in Sri Lanka cricket board. He further added.
"When selectors named the Kulasekara with Prasad, I had to consider few things. I don't have any personal problems with any of these boys. But see their full names. 'Kulasekara Mudiyanselage Dinesh Nuwan Kulasekara' & 'Kariyawasam Tirana Gamage Dhammika Prasad'. Simply DOUBLE-YOU-TEE-EFF ! Why these names are so long ? How much time would it take to complete their VISA applications & other forms? "
"At the moment we are reducing the staff in Sri Lanka cricket board. So this might take at least 2 weeks to complete all the forms. But these guys should be there before the boxing day. Do you know that with this staff, we have to start filling forms for 'Uda Walawwe Mahim Bandaralage Chanaka Asanga Welegedara' even 2 months before any tour."
"So I had to chose one between Kulasekara & Prasad. Toss decided it is Prasad going to tour South Africa. I feel sorry for the boy 'Kulasekara Mudiyanselage Dinesh Nuwan Kulasekara' but under the circumstances we can not send him. Instead of him selectors chose 'Kanishka Gihan Alvitigala' to tour along with Prasad."
"I think you clearly can see the SAVE. It's 20% save if we compare the number of names from both touring players. If we consider characters, it's 52.01 % save. From here on this is how we are going to work in Sri Lanka cricket board. I know, this is a great example for others as well."
In the media conference, member of selection committee Mr. Gon Arunasiri also stated about selection policies.
"I hope most of the people have got the answer for why we can't select Chaminda Vaas. It is very difficult to select 'Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas' with 'Uda Walawwe Mahim Bandaralage Chanaka Asanga Welegedara' in the same squad considering the amount of forms & applications we have to fill."
According to reports, two replacement players Kanishka & Prasad already joined to the Sri Lankan squad in South Africa. There might be some change in the Sri Lankan side after the defeat of innings & 81 runs.
P.S. :- The quotes are all made ups - You are reading "CricTurf's Fun Zone"...
