SRI LANKAN cricketers are not a greedy lot.
While our results in all forms of the game recently have been underwhelming – and certainly not the type of stuff that justifies ‘pay rise’ – there is a genuine need for the SLC to try and keep pace with countries like Australia, England and South Africa.
The late Tony Grieg was a huge advocate of player rights and his recent passing was a timely reminder of the importance of a cricketers’ worth.
This is why I’m so delighted the SLC and its 23 centrally-contracted players have reached an agreement over the pay dispute which threatened to derail the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, much like last year’s similar payment dramas before the Sri Lankan Premier League.
Players should be praised for not only understanding the situation, but also accepting the responsibility
The players should be praised for not only understanding the situation, but also accepting the responsibility of taking cricket forward.
Whilst there were many changes to the contract that are to their disadvantage, what the players really wanted was to include the 25% of proceeds received for ICC events for the use of image rights. This has always been the practice in prior contracts.
Despite some reports to the contrary, the non-payment of salaries whilst on IPL duty was not a clause affecting most of those concerned and it was brilliant the boys saw that as a personal issue, rather than a team issue, and agreed it was not a reason to defer signing.
I know performance-related payments would be welcomed by the players too but, unfortunately, when you look at the schedule for the coming year, there is not much cricket against quality opposition, meaning Sri Lanka cannot make a significant push up the rankings.
It’s going to be a hard year for the players when you consider the sacrifices being made, especially when comparing the rewards for opposing teams that the guys are expected to compete against.
SRI LANKA CRICKET VIEW
SLC are at a stage where tough business decisions need to be made for the benefit for cricket in the country.Well played SLC. They were tactically smart and took agents out of the equation. Having seen how these agents operate, I am not a fan. Not that agents are a must in Sri Lankan cricket, except for Kumar, Mahela, Dilshan and c.o.
SLC cannot compromise in any way and, so long as they remain consistent in that approach with all involved – including administrators – you cannot fault them. If, however, it starts impacting the players alone, that is not fair.
60% of the SLC funds go towards player payments, a percentage much higher than other nations. They also do need to run development programs and Sri Lanka ‘A’ Tours, which there have been very few. This year will be a lean year for SLC earnings, compared to other years. The contract should change next year, hopefully.
It was his tone and approach that was appreciated by all
It was good that the Chairman of Selectors, Sanath Jayasuriya, found time to explain the situation to the players, making it clear his stance was the same as the SLC. It was his tone and approach that was appreciated by all.
During the Sydney Test, I met up with Nishantha Ranatunga at a lunch hosted by the NSW Cricket Chairman at which I was a guest speaker. Nishantha said that both he and Upali Dharmadasa were in Australia on their own funds – not those of the Board. I cannot find fault with this approach to get Sri Lanka cricket back on track.
It’s an unfortunate position to be in, but I guess these hard calls need to be made in order to rebuild.
THILAN DECIDES TO RETIRE
Good luck to Thilan Samaraweera who made the right call. Let’s hope no one persuades him to do otherwise. It’s time to move on for both parties. Thilan has served Sri Lanka well. He was a great fighter who adapted and changed his game many times to succeed. Congrats on a great career!
SRI LANKA V BANGLADESH
And now, finally, to the cricket.
I’m extremely pleased a full-strength Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh. Even the injuries to the seniors are a blessing in disguise. It will leave Kumar, Dilshan as the only seniors, adding significant responsibility to the likes of Lahiru, Chandimal, Angelo, Dimuth to play senior roles, which is brilliant.
It will also open a place for a debutant. This is indeed exciting. I would go for Kithruwan, based both on his immediate form and taking a long-term team viewpoint.
Bangladesh has improved technically and is prepared for the grind. Their bowling is tight, but not threatening. The Sri Lankan bowling on the other hand has a bit more zip with Herath the main danger to the Bangladeshis. I am also looking forward to seeing Kaushal in action.
The Bangladeshi’s will be no pushovers. If Sri Lanka is not careful, they will find themselves under pressure.
The Australian team are not as good as they think they are
Finally, I was not surprised with the results between Australia and India in Chennai and Hyderabad. As I stated back in January to the Aussie media, the Australian team are not as good as they think they are. They have no quality spinner, lack experience and of course there is no Hussey.
If they are to have any chance in India, Warner and Watson need to open and Clarke needs to move up to 3. They also need to play Lyon and Doherty together.
They were made to look good against an ordinary Sri Lankan team at the time. There were many weaknesses in that outfit . . . ones that India are now exploiting.
Speaking of the Indians, how good are their youngster looking! Hope the new beginning for Sri Lanka with the young blood being introduced will be just as exciting.
Article Courtesy Round8
