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| Sunday, 10 October 2004 |
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Murali declined vice-captaincy to concentrate on bowling by Dirk Tissera, Editor, Sri Lankan 'Anchorman', Toronto
Muttiah Muralitharan, the world's most feared 'spin doctor' arrived in Toronto on October 5, and was right into his stride when he bowled his 'doosra' at the Canadian media the next day. "Toronto is a quiet city, unlike London, Bombay or Culcatta. I've yet to experience the cold here", he said with a chuckle. "I still have about six years of cricket in me and I am going to reach the 900 mark. This is very possible", he added. The undisputed king of spin, who was widely featured in the media here, told the 'Sri Lankan Anchorman': "The talent back home in the North and East of Sri Lanka is immense. I visited Jaffna after 20 long years. The war has ravaged the area. Most kids don't get a change to see television as there is no electricity. I'd love to impart my knowledge and take the game out there with the help of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board", he said. Murali, was the cynosure of all eyes in Canada at his fund-raisers in Ottawa and Toronto, has implemented over 35 worthy projects in the areas of education, sports, medical aid, community needs, housing and helping the disabled. The 'spin dinner dance' was held at the Delta Hotel in Toronto yesterday 9, while the Ottawa event was a felicitation for Murali on Friday at the Delta Ottawa Hotel. All proceeds from the shows go to the Muralitharan and Gunasekera Foundation. Murali's memorabilia will also go on auction in Canada. "Viv Richards is my idol and I consider Brian Lara the best batsman in the world today" Murali said. Asked how he bounces back controversy after controversy, Murali said "As professionals we have to be tough and adjust mentally. There have been many sleepless nights". The Lankan, who will be back in action next year, will play for English county Lancashire next season. He was the overseas player at Old Trafford during the 1999 and 2001 seasons during which period he had a total of 116 wickets in 14 first class matches at an average of 15. He was voted the club's 'player of the year' in 1999 after taking 66 wickets in just seven first class matches. At 532 wickets, Murali today is the ultimate spin wizard. "I have not thought about marriage just yet. I am enjoying my cricket now", he said. He praised former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga for what he has stood for and said that he declined the vice captaincy post because I wanted to concentrate on my bowling", Murali said. Speaking about the next World Cup, Murali said: "That is a tough bet. Any of the top 8 Test playing countries have a good chance. The West Indies is doing well today". Chief organiser and presenter, Ranjith Wickremasinghe of 'Voice of Lanka' is the man behind Murali's visit to Canada with sponsors Otis and Korman, Barristers and Solicitors. The media sponsors are ATN and the 'Sri Lankan Anchorman'. The press conference was held at the Steam Whistle Brewery in the heart of down town Toronto. |
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