Sports Minister of Sri Lanka calls for administrative overhaul after string of losses

Sri Lankan cricket has never been in such a bad state since their World Cup triumph way back in 1996 which put them on the cricketing map. Since then, they produced a number of cricketing greats, who went on to become venerated names not just in Sri Lanka but in world cricket as well.

Lowest ebb of Sri Lankan cricket

The last one year has seen the state of cricket reach its lowest ebb in the last two decades. It was understandable that the national team will struggle after the retirements of Dilshan, Jayawardene and Sangakkara, three stalwarts of Sri Lanka cricket. But not to put up a fight at all has been heart breaking to see for many viewers around the world. India thrashed them 3-0 in the Test series, where the hosts never looked like being in the game. The sports minister of the Island has called for an administrative overhaul. Dayasiri Jayasekera is inviting former players, experts, administrators and the likes together to speak on the imminent challenges. ”I am hoping to get all these experts at a single forum and thrash out issues,” Jayasekera told AFP.

Jayasekera did not want to make any wholesale changes nor be too harsh on the players. He wants to get behind them in times of adversity. “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.”

Recently, World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga suggested an outright clear-out of the Board, a move rejected by Jayasekera. “I don’t want to interfere in the administration,” Jayasekera said. “That might lead to isolation by the ICC (International Cricket Council),” Jayasekera told AFP.

Fitness an area of concern

The sports minister was recently in the news for labeling the cricketers of the Island as fat and unfit for five-day format. Lasith Malinga and Jayasekera had an ugly altercation on the same which was resolved amicably later on. Fitness is another concern according to the 48-year old which must be addressed.

The proposed forum will be asked to submit proposals for the betterment of the games in the next fortnight. With 4 ODIs still to go in the series, the home side still has a few games in hand to force a revival of sorts.