15 June 2018 12:11 pm Views - 6651
Roshan Mahanama, Muttiah Muralitharan and Mahela Jayawardena have point-blankly refused an invitation to form a cricket advisory panel to advice Sri Lanka Cricket on cricket related matters.
Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday requested the Minister of Sports invite five former players to support the board on cricket matters. But the request has now being turned down by three of the five players with Kumar Sangakkara and Aravinda de Silva yet to make any comments regarding the offer.
Spin great Muralitharan hhe ‘does not trust the system’ and therefore he does not wish to be part of it.
“ I am of the view that it is an insincere, cunning move, more to use us when the Cricket administration is in such a deplorable state and standby the sentiments that Mahela has expressed not able to trust the system as per his own experience of attempting to resolve pressing issues which was never implemented,” Muralitharan said in a statement.
“It is sad that National cricketers are not consulted until it hits the rock bottom!,” he adds. “I would not hesitate to give of my time if I do realise the genuineness and credibility of the administration despite my own professional coaching engagements world wide’.
Jayawardena in a twitter message refused to accept any such post. “If any one wants to buy time please don’t use us,” he said adding that none of the recommendation they made previously being implemented.
Mahanama, the former ICC match referee said there are a number of key issues that need urgent attention before forming the committee.
“It is my strong belief that we need to properly address and resolve some of the burning issues that the SLC is currently faced with prior to the formation of this committee,” Mahanama said.
“Absolute honesty, transparency and strick adherence to accepted norms and practices in all dealings connected with SLC are of paramount importance. Further, in the interest of the game that I so passionately love, a new Refreshing Pan of Action to resurrect Sri Lanka Cricket should receive the highest priority. I have a list of points that I have noted, some of which was discuss with you during our brief meeting few days ago”.
“I must emphasize in conclusion that my stance on this matter must never be misconducted as lack of concern on my part to assist Sri Lanka Cricket. I would do my very best to assist Sri Lanka Cricket at any time but i detest political interference, dishonesty and lack of transparency at any level and until someone makes a positive effort to eliminate them, I consider it prudent to stick to my principles and play the selective role I have chosen”.