Helping hand to past National Cricketers is appreciated
View(s):For the first time a Minister of Sports (MoS) felt for the needs of former Sri Lanka Cricketers. He felt those who played for Sri Lanka, before Sri Lanka gained Test status, kept the Sri Lanka flag flying in Cricket.
All of us who played Cricket for Sri Lanka never got any help from the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. All those Club Cricketers played Cricket with the finances given by our parents or, with our earnings. It is a mystery why former MoS or Cricket Presidents never thought of them. I am glad that the present MoS has opened the doors to any Sri Lanka Cricketer to seek assistance from the Cricket Board.
As for our defeats in International Cricket, no one should blame the Selectors. Selectors do their best in selecting the best side and, if the players selected do not perform, how can we win matches. When I got selected for the first time to play against Australia skippered by Ritchie Benaud, many people and media criticised my selection and hence, my determination increased to perform. I scored 44 runs, being the highest scorer for Sri Lanka. It is your confidence and determination that helps a Cricketer to do well.
Lasantha Rodrigo
Former Sri Lanka Cricketer