In a recent article that appeared in India allrounder Ferveez Maharoof had said he was surprised to learn his omission from the squad for the tri-nation series, especially after a good showing in the Asia Cup in Dambulla. He said that he did well for Sri Lanka ‘A’ and in the warm up games. He is disappointed as he was eyeing the World Cup.
Now it’s strange for a player to make a public statement and criticize the selectors while some other deserving players are keeping mum.
Maharoof was out of the squad for 16 months and his place had gone to Mathews and Thisara Perera, who are talented. The Aravinda de Silva led selection committee brought Maharoof back considering his good performances in Dambulla.
No doubt Maharoof was an asset to the side in the past. His position was secure then as he was allowed to continue without any pressure. In the last two years he didn’t take part in the majority of domestic tournaments citing injuries. But he joined Sri Lanka in many tours without proving his fitness on the field and doing so with the recommendation of physiotherapists. However, he got fit for the IPL. There were some fast bowling all-rounders who could fight for a place in the team with Maharoof. But they were not considered or given little chance by the selectors. Gayan Wijekoon, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Hasantha Fernando and Chinthaka Jayasinghe are some of them. Maharoof said he did well with the ball, taking a hat-trick (but not top order batsmen). But he was a disaster in the other two matches batting, bowling and fielding wise. Mathews has cemented his place; Thisara Perera has shown promise and another fast bowling allrounder developing fast is Kosala Kulasekera. They should be given a chance.
Chamara Kapugedera with an average of 23 in 78 matches too has been given an extended run. If he doesn’t perform the selectors should replace him.
All-powerful managers
A trend in the recent past is that some players remain in the team whether they perform or not. And out of the younger lot only a selected lot is making it to the team. A close analysis shows that there is an invisible hand behind this. That’s the manager factor. Managers of players are so powerful that they can influence the selectors and get their team selected. We hope Aravinda de Silva and company is still free and aware of this danger. There is a certain manager who has over 15 players under his care—with all the senior players. Till recently the wife of such player worked under him. He is a foreigner and he has some influence over the media as he heads a website. He got the IPL contacts for his players and good commission too. For a player to get a good price at IPL auction he needs to be in the national side. So this powerful manager can put his players in the side and then win them IPL contacts. If this unhealthy practice develops the manager can even ask his players to influence the outcome of the match. If the selectors and cricket administrators do not take notice of this danger then the sports minister should take necessary action.