Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fox C2" data-source="post: 12230082" data-attributes="member: 370633">BCCI investigates un-Sri Lankan team   Victories and absence of long names raise red flags   Damith Samarakoon    March 4, 2012                             <img src="http://www.espncricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/142200/142249.2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />                      Dinesh Chandimal: nothing Sri Lankan about him except his fielding                                                                                                                                              Following a string of unfathomable wins over Australia and Sri Lanka's  immediate about turn after that game in Hobart, the BCCI has questioned  the authenticity of the current Sri Lankan team. Although many pundits  are calling this an outlandish PR move to take some heat off its own  team, the BCCI maintains it has long suspected this team isn't quite  what you expect from a typical Sri Lankan side.   "Our initial suspicions were raised when our analyst pointed out that  Dinesh Chandimal had only three names. Just three names for a Sri Lankan  cricketer? We were astonished. From then on we kept a close eye on  him," said a BCCI official who wished to remain unnamed.    "A typical Sri Lankan youngster comes in the form of a Kapugedera or  Mubarak. As soon as they hit the international area they turn to jelly.  But this Chandimal has been scoring runs everywhere like a consummate  pro. It doesn't add up. Young Sri Lankan cricketers aren't meant to  score runs in difficult conditions or guide the team home. Clearly  questions need to be asked."   The BCCI also claimed the current Sri Lankan side was atypical in terms  of composition. "Honestly, we might as well be playing England all over  again. Five fast men in an XI? Do they have no respect for their roots  as a subcontinental side at all? Arjuna Ranatunga would be gobsmacked.  Sachin said many times that he was hoping to target Dilshan but he  didn't even have a bowl. Frankly, we are going to have to think twice  before offering them another cash-cow Test series."   "They've even dropped Murali and he's only 39". When told Murali retired  on his own accord, the BCCI representative looked confused. "Retired?  At 39? Ludicrous.   "The Channel 9 team didn't even know half the Sri Lankan players at the  start of the series. That is how it should be. Now everyone's talking  about Thirimanne and Perera, and spending entire commentary stints  asking Tony Greig how to pronounce their names correctly."    The reversal of fortunes after the Kohli game made the BCCI more  suspicious. "How did Malinga turn around his game so quickly? Are we  looking into the possibility that his mop of hair forms a protective  shield that prevents anything from denting his confidence? Damn right we  are.    "And when was the last time you saw another Sri Lankan with something  like that do? You want to talk about authentic then you don't need to go  much further than Sidath Wettimuny's lovely side parting.    "And how is it that they are beating Australia so consistently? They've  been here for just three weeks. We've been here for three months! Maths  never lies."   The BCCI official said the only thing remotely close to being in line  with the casual and carefree way of the islanders was the nonchalant  fielding of Malinga and Chandimal. "It's certainly been a breath of  fresh air, and good on them. Malinga's fielding has been casual to the  point of not caring. They just kept smiling. This is the Sri Lanka we  know and understand. I applaud them."   But he was less cheerful when speaking about new captain Mahela  Jayawardene. "He is leading the side like he was injected with a  cocktail of ex-Aussie captain genes. He is just too involved with  everything. Dilshan and Sangakkara were exemplary Sri Lankan captains.  They knew the team was meant to be seen and not heard. These are Sri  Lankans, not an XI of Steve Waugh's disciples. I just hope Dhoni doesn't  get too influenced by this sort of rabid disregard for your team's  heritage."   "Don't get me wrong, I like Sri Lanka, sort of, but it's unfair to  others when Sri Lanka do not perform to expectations. This is a world  event and you want each country to represent their cricketing culture.  Sri Lanka used to be this fun-loving team filled with great characters  like Gurusinha and Arjuna that never won much. I think Sri Lanka need to  take a good hard look at themselves and ask whether it's really worth  sacrificing their kottu and biriyani for a few quick singles."   The BCCI have stated it will continue to monitor the situation and lodge  an official complaint with Greig - the foremost authority on "the  little Sri Lankans" - should the situation get worse.    "As a leading entity in cricket, our concern is for the global game. We  are deeply worried about the death of this once-mediocre cricket side  that used to be terrible away from home. Not only have Sri Lanka lost  their charm, but I suspect many will consider this a terrible slant on  the spirit of the game."espncricinfo</blockquote>

Verification: Hathara warak wissa keeyada? (Hathara wadi karanna 20)

Top Bottom