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'Our cricket is on right track' -Mohan
By Bernie Wijesekera
Not so many moons ago Sri Lanka cricket hit a new low when they were given a three-nil white-wash by the marauding Australians on their own back yard and as a result heads rolled and out came the team without much difference in the list of names, but, with a difference in their attitude. The result was in their return tour down under they went down in the first Test not without a fight and managed to draw the second.

From that tour the Lankan lads got off the jet straight into the Asia Cup, which they wrested from holders Pakistan whom they ousted early in the tournament ingloriously. In short within two series with a new captain Sri Lanka are back with their own capabilities playing true to their own talents.

The SLC chief Mohan de Silva may have been one of the first to notice the changes. The day after Sri Lanka had triumphed to a 25 run win over their big brother India who themselves on a juggernaut after their exploits in Australia and Pakistan. He said "Forget about the past. My immediate priority is to rebuild the image of Sri Lanka Cricket I am happy to say that slowly we are progressing positively in the right direction. This task has become an easy endeavour as there is a dynamic team who are totally committed and serving for the right reasons without any personal agenda'.

Q: In an earlier interview before the Asia Cup, you emphasized that the Asia Cup would be the ideal barometer to judge our levels for our future endeavours. Now Sri Lanka have emerged undisputed champions.
A: Firstly, I am quite happy the way we performed. Sri Lanka played quality cricket to their true potential. Marvan Atapattu led from the front. All contributed to achieve success.

Sri Lanka must show up against the ongoing South African tour. Now they have gained their confidence to match on equal terms. The players must have self belief in themselves and show determination. Sri Lanka cricket administration will not buy any excuses whoever the cricketer may be. There are quite a number of youngsters on the wing, who have done well in the 'A' team. They are working on a good structure for leading their way into a new era to emerge as one of the best cricket playing nations in the world. Make Sri Lanka the Asian Capital of World Cricket.

Q: What about the money accrued from the Asia Cup?
A: The Asian Cricket Council will reimburse all expenditure incurred at the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka - a full member (participating) will be entitled to two and half million U.S. dollars (US$ 2½ million).

Q: What are your development plans?
A: We have identified our priorities. There is a strategic business plan, handled by the National Cricket Development Committee, headed by Duleep Mendis. Priority is to enhance the scope of activities in the Cricket Academy at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The Sri Lanka Cricket administration is transparent, financially or otherwise.

Q: The running of the Asia Cup (handled by SLC) came in for praise by the participants and so many others.
A: Nothing is impossible when all work in unison for the right reasons. They left no stone unturned.

Q: Why only one Asian umpire in the elite panel - Alim Darr (Pakistan)?
A: There is an assessment system in the ICC. Unfortunately some of the Asian umpires could not retrain their places in the elite panel for reasons best known to the ICC. However, I am happy to inform you that SLC has been able to include an additional umpire, Gamini Silva to the International panel, along with Asoka de Silva and T.H. Wijewardena. Now it’s upto them to perform and gain entry to the elite panel. There is an assessment officer and assessment manager to monitor the performance of the umpires.

Q: Sri Lanka played India in 2002 winning 2-1 the test series, here a long break why?
A: In April/May 2005 we will take part in a triangular series with India and Bangladesh. A full tour of three tests and five ODIs in India in November and December 2005.
The BCCI will step on its 75th year and they are planning to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. On the card is a commemorative match one-day, India versus rest of the world probably may be in November 2004. Date is still to be finalized. Probably three of the locals will be invited from a given nation. India would visit Sri Lanka for a triangular series with Bangladesh - July - August 2005.
There are reciprocal tours upto 2006 despite a tight schedule.

Q: What have you got to say about Michael Van Dort - a talented batsman who has been overlooked. The lad needs encouragement with regular exposure to be in the limelight. There are many more like him who have apparently gone unheard.
A: I agree. Van Dort is a talented cricketer. He has had a lean domestic season. He didn't live up to expectations even in the Inter-Province tournament as result failed to make the grade. However, he has undergone corrective measures with the head coach Jerome Jayaratne at the Academy. He has regained his confidence. I see a lot of potential in him. He is a strongly built lad with correct temperament and mental toughness is a good prospect for the longer game (test).
The player himself must work hard to overcome setbacks. Facilities are afforded to them. Talented young prospects will not be overlooked. They must make good of the opportunities.

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