Many steps taken to develop cricket - D.S.

by Ranjan Anandappa

Chairman Interim Committee, Sri Lanka Cricket D.S. de Silva said that in the past thirteen months during his tenure SLC has done a lot of work to develop and improve the school cricket concept which is the firm foundation for the future.

He said this at a cricket machinery handing over ceremony for schools and clubs at the SLC Headquarters at Maitland Place last Friday.

"We have gone to all parts of the Island and met the school principals and have supplied the basic requirements needed, such as practice pitches, mattings, materials and a good coach. We are also developing grounds in couple of districts at Walasmulla and Panadura," said the Interim Committee Chairman.

Cricket machinery was handed over to few clubs and schools at a subsidised rate. A bowling machine worth Rs. 429,000.00 was given at Rs. 171,000.00 to some leading schools, Royal, Trinity, S. Thomas', Ananda, Richmond, Mahanama and Ratnapura CC and the Lionel Mendis Cricket Academy is among the clubs that had already purchased.

`DS' who was affectionately known among the cricket loving public in the country further said that 12 World Cup matches are to be staged in Sri Lanka in three venues, namely Pallekelle, Hambanthota and the R. Preamadasa Stadium, Khettarama and it was very important to maintain the grounds to international levels.

The Secretary Interim Committee SLC Cricket Nishantha Ranatunga said that it is a well known fact that future players emerged from school cricket, but due to various reasons, specially financial difficulties some cannot survive.

The bowling machines, mowers etc. have been supplied at reduced rates as he felt that anything given free of charge is valued less. Nishantha Ranatunga concluded saying that a selection policy has been drawn up and although not elaborating, he said that the provincial tournament will be the yard stick for future team selection.