When Arjuna is talking there can be no doubt that he will speak his mind.
That’s what unfolded when he along with Aravinda De Silva and Muttiah Muralitharan joined at the panel discussion with the 1996 World Cup Heroes – organized by the Sunday Times Business Club which was held at Cinnamon Lakeside recently.
When posed with the question about corruption and match fixing within cricket, Ranatunga was severe in blaming ICC for its lack of guidance and leadership.
“There is no ICC anymore. It is just BCCI. It is not International Cricket Council it is International Crime Council. If you take all the cricket board Presidents am sure they are all puppets. ICC is the toothless tiger.”
He was equally vocal about N.Srinivasan the former President of the BCCI who is shrouded with corruption allegations and controversy being appointed as the Chairman of the Cricket Council.
“Just imagine the person whose son in law got caught with fixing is the head of ICC. What’s the logic behind that? Worst part is players are getting punished and threatened and when it comes to the Indian Cricket Board, the richest cricket board rules doesn’t apply for them.
“I am so glad at least the Indian System (Judiciary) is good. They got hold of these corrupt officials and kept them out of the CB. But ICC directors allowed Srinivasan to sit in the ICC main chair. This where I always say when this big three came into power the game is going to Indian Cricket Board’s hand.
“If this goes for another 3-4 years cricket will suffer. It is important all test playing cricket board’s get together and fight for their places. Don’t know whether they have the backbone.” Ranatunga went on to say, casting a grave concern about cricket and its future.
Joining in the conversation Aravinda was more focused on educating the younger crop of cricketers about corruption and match fixing.
“I felt really sorry for Mohomed Amir. He was just a 18 year old kid when that incident happened. ICC cannot kill those youngsters. You need to educate them on corruption and match fixing. They get dragged into it because they are unaware. When on tour you are bound to meet such people (Bokkies) need to educate and show examples. That’s where the psychology aspect comes in.” he added.
Muralitharan also shared Aravinda’s sentiments and mentioned aggressive action should be implemented in order to free cricket from corruption and match fixing.
