Sanath Jayasuriya has said that Sri Lankan people want him to play the forthcoming 2011 World Cup as Sri Lanka is one of the hosts of the tournament.
“The people, in fact, want me to play till the World Cup... One reason, perhaps, being that Sri Lanka is one of the hosts... It’s going to be a big event for us and, yes, the expectations will also be big.” Jayasuriya had told Indian newspaper Culcutta Tlegaraph in an interview from Gros Islet (St Lucia).
“I’m looking to play till the 2011 World Cup, let’s see how things go... I don’t take my place for granted and, so, I’ll have to keep performing and stay fit,” Jayasuriya had pointed out.
“On the field, I’m a cricketer, not a politician, so there’s no conflict,” is how Jayasuriya responded to calls from some quarters that he end his career as a sportsman, according to the article.
The 40-year-old, who started his Sri Lanka innings just weeks after Sachin Tendulkar’s November 15, 1989 beginning, got elected to Parliament last month.
“I’m thankful to the people of Matara... I was busy with cricket, but they stood by me... My mother (Breeda) and brother (Chandana) did all the hard work... They did the campaigning on my behalf,” Jayasuriya told The Telegraph.
Jayasuriya, who won on the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance ticket, is the second cricketer in Sri Lanka, after the 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, to enter Parliament.
They haven’t met after the elections, though, the article added.
“It feels good to be in Parliament... This, obviously, is a very different pitch... But, then, I’m passionate about everything I do,” Jayasuriya had said.
Having quit Test cricket after 110 appearances (6,973 runs, 14x100), Jayasuriya is now focusing on the ODIs (13,428 runs in 444 matches, 28x100) and T20 Internationals.
Speaking about his plans after retirement Jayasuriya had said: “Give all my time to the people... They expect me to deliver and I can’t let them down. I think, through my cricket, I’ve given joy to the people... As a Parliamentarian, I have the chance to actually work for them”.
Source: Daily Mirror
What do u think guys?
He should play or retire from cricket and give a chance to young player?
Last edited:
