| Sports |
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| Priorities
for the BCCSL I have selected, in order my priorities for the Sri Lankan BCCSL. (01) "Domestic Cricket". The standard of domestic cricket is only higher in standard to that of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. That does not say much. The structure of Club Cricket and other tournaments have to be re-organized. A competitive, tough five months of continuous cricket is essential. (02) "Academies/Coaching". There is a vast amount of work to be put in to develop players between the ages of 19 and 25. There must be competent, mature coaches in charge of cricketers at BCCSL, Club and District Level. There should be three academies located in Colombo, Galle and Kandy, with curriculums arranged through the year. One of which should function as the main institution. (03) "Player Wages". There are probably fifteen players at the top who are top bracket wage earners. They deserve what they get and are capable of looking after themselves through the weight of their performances. At least sixty if not seventy five others must be able to earn sufficient to sustain themselves during the period they play class cricket and have some career set up when they quit from that level. (04) "Grass Roots". School cricket is the grass roots level in this country. Much has been said about restructuring the tournaments. That needs attention. There is a stable governing body in place. They must always be good, dedicated men in the ranks. The BCCSL should assist in providing good coaches at first eleven stage to school who require this form of assistance. (05) "Ground Maintenance". Very little is being done to develop grounds, construct grounds and maintenance. The International and major venues are developing at a very steady pace, but not the rest. A major push is required as pitches and grounds are the influences that produce good players. (06) "Coaches and Coaching". This area is as important as the top five. Many past cricketers have taken upto coaching in a professional or honorary capacity. However, after the World Cup triumph in 1996, the game has spread far and wide in the country. There are many who are taking upto coaching and that is very encouraging. They need to be constantly educated on the subject and like the players adequately paid for their efforts. (07) "Umpiring". Another important area of the game. The decision makers do play a vital role. They come down the list because the playing side must be given priority. Here too constant education and monitoring performance and conduct are essential. They are poorly paid. Sponsorship is the answer to increase their remuneration and make it an attractive service. (08) "Ground Facilities". This really is spectator facilities. Indoor nets, gymnasium and practice facilities go hand in hand with ground development. The additional necessary facilities should be available in cricket playing towns. Spectator comforts must grow, covered areas, seating and accessible food drinks and toilet facilities are the general basics that should be secondary to the more important playing requirements. (09) "Administration", (10) "Marketing". Both these necessities exist and function to get the jobs done more efficiently. Modern technology and strategies, forward planning must be part of these two arms. Again, the individuals must be committed to provide results. Those with a knowledge of the game will be in a position to deliver more for the betterment of the game. Administration and marketing will support and lift all the cricketing needs. Is the BCCSL also thinking along these lines? Grand
Hotel Golf Classic Sunil
on UL "B"
Division Ladies Gymkhana
Events The cocktail party was slick, well patronized and loaded with great fun and fellowship. The Award Ceremony was fun-filled and just before the curtain closed the participants and guests were treated to a classy banquet of exceptional standards which one associates only with the grand style of the Grand Hotel. Thanks to Gerrard Ondaatjie and Harin de Costa. |
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