“I can dissolve SLC to resurrect Lanka’s fortune,”  Jayasekera

Sri Lanka Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said he would go to the extent of dissolving the present Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) administration to resurrect the national team’s fortune. Sri Lanka is going through a difficult transition phase and the current administration has been blamed for the team’s poor run in international cricket. Referring to the poor show by the team, Jayasekera said: “Give me a little time to resurrect things. I will not hesitate to dissolve the board if it takes to that.” Jayasekera said through SLC constitutional reforms he would take action to reduce the number of votes at SLC election. “I want to see it reduced to 75 from the present 140,” said Jayasekera.

Playing with pollution masks on, got the Sri Lankan cricketers all find of reaction. For many it was a wake up call to contain the Air Quality Index in Delhi, others called them “Cheats” but only till Mohammad Shami the Indian fast bowler too started throwing up.

Yet, Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal didn’t sound even upset, let alone be angry, over what his team had been subjected to over the last five days. Instead, he sounded almost apologetic for their suffering, as if it was their fault. “The thing is, we aren’t used to the pollution. That’s why we struggled in the first two days.”And then he went even further and thanked everyone. “Thanks to the Indians fans, thanks to Virat and team, wish them well for the tour of South Africa.”

In the press conference, Chandimal was repeatedly asked how tough it was for them to focus on the game with the rival camp, former players and the crowd accusing them of using pollution as a tactic. The skipper, however, refrained from chest-thumping, even though he had enough ammunition after Mohammed Shami threw up on the field  and after having denied India the victory. Nevertheless, he simply said, “After the first two days, we decided we need to forget all about it and just focus on the game”.

Former Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews, too, gave the benefit of doubt to the Indian players after they questioned their integrity. “It was one of those unique occasions where no one knew what to do. It didn’t hamper the relationship of players on the field. Off the field we are great friends and it will remain the same.” Remember, Kohli had been so upset with the Australians after the controversy-ridden series earlier this year that he had publically declared he was no longer friends with them.

Just like the Lankans have been accused of overplaying the pollution issue, can’t the Indians could have invited a medical trouble for themselves for playing in such conditions.  Kuldeep Yadav was seen wearing it , a couple of other players too are said to have used the mask in the dressing room but once India took the stand against Lanka, no one used it. For the record, R Ashwin had asthma as a child, although his current condition isn’t known. It surely wouldn’t have hurt if he had put on the mask!