Sri Lankan Cricket: Waiting for the lions to roar again

“Sri Lanka looked a street or two ahead in every area: batting, bowling, fielding, thinking and cheek. They never looked rushed or hassled. They played as if they knew they were going to win.” This is a quote from the book “Hell for Leather” written by Mr. Robert Winder after the magical performance from our cricket team in 1996 world cup.

For me, Cricket is a one thing that I have never been tired of watching and following. Most of the Sri Lankan people including me are die hard fans of cricket. And also, South Asian countries like, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal and other members of ICC like England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa cricket fans loved this beautiful game. Despite all the daily routine, we never missed a Cricket match. As a true cricket fan, I always appreciated good cricket around the world. It may be ODI, test cricket, T20, IPL, Big bash, Honkong sixers, T10 leagues, or any other countries playing.

But country always comes first. There was a time, Sri Lanka cricket team was in a next level. This era starts from the early 90’s. Cricket fans all around the world loved us. Arjuna Ranathunga, former skipper guided us to the magical day of world cup winning in 1996. Those were the days that injects cricket in to our blood. Sanath Jaysuriya and Kaluwitharana completely changed the traditional batting techniques with their explosive opening spell. Then Aravinda, Athapaththu, Mahanama, Gurusinghe, Arjuna was a nightmare to the opponent bowlers. Then there was Vaas, Murali, Upul Chandana, Darmasena at the bowling unit. Not only the hard work of players, there was a brilliant administration, coaches with a mission at that time.

Sri Lankan Cricket team in 1996

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Though there was major set back after 1997, again from 2007 – 2014 we were the major threat to the others. We were able to lift the T20 world cup in 2014, runners-up in 2009 & 2012 and ODI runners-up in 2007 & 2011. The gratitude must be completely for the genuine players in that time and the foreign coaching department. Mater mind Mahela Jayewardene, classic Kumar Sangakkara, Mystery spinner Murali, Dilshan, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Mathews, Kulasekara, Maharoof were few legends at that time.
But what happened after that? Just a dark era for Sri Lankan fans. Legends retired one by one. But there were some quality youngsters following the path. But I have the question about the way those players handled by the administration. And it’s not a secret about the political interference to the game. There was hardly a good local tournament in the country. And also, the consistency of the players is very shocking. This should be their life. So, we always expect 200% from them, which they should provide.
So, we should learn the lessons from the past. We have screwed what we had. That’s right. But it’s not the end. Now, the new government, former players have a positive discussion about the issue. So, we hope for the best to come soon, and rise again to conquer the cricket world.

My experiences in live matches