Sri Lanka is launching an investigation into the poor state of cricket in the country. Lanka lost to Zimbabwe at home in the one-dayers, and were blanked 3-0 in the Tests by India.
Sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera informed AFP that he was inviting former administrators, players, sports experts and journalists discuss ideas on how the game in Sri Lanka can regain its past glory.
“I am hoping to get all these experts at a single forum and thrash out issues. There is no point in blaming administrators or the players without an in-depth study. The idea is not to apportion blame, but address the deficiencies and rally behind the national team,” Jayasekera was quoted as saying in an AFP report.
Jayasekera also rejected a suggested clear-out of the cricket board suggested by former Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga. “I don’t want to interfere in the administration. That might lead to isolation by the ICC,” he explained.
Jayasekera admitted player fitness was also an issue in Sri Lanka’s poor showing of late. The sports minister had actually stirred a controversy by labelling the squad too fat.
The proposed forum is likely to be held within a fortnight.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
