Show has given cricket a forward push

By Ranjan Anandappa

CRICKET: So many experts have aired their views, time and again of the Sunday Observer/Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer Of The Year show and I like to join them and tell one and all that it a show never to be missed. Millions have been spent and Sunday Observer and Mobitel have combined very effectively to make this show a great success. It is a much looked forward to event by the schoolboy cricketers in this country.

Winning awards even in any category, besides the main award, will open avenues for one to make much headway in the future. The award winners will also receive valuable cash awards.

“The criteria for the selection of the winner is based on the overall performance in the Under 19 league tournament, with preference given to players who have performed well at International level too. There were many outstanding players such as Royalist Bhanuka Rajapakse, Richmondite Dhananajaya de Silva and Anandian Sachitra Perera, who of course did not play against the England Under 19, but performed exceptionally well during the league competition, taking over 100 wickets for the season,” said the Chairman Selectors of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association Dilshan de Silva.

This competition is something like a dream for the schoolboy cricketer and all cricketers should know that if they perform well, one’s chances are more to make their dreams come true. I have my doubts that a show of this nature for schoolboy cricketers would have taken place in any other part of the world. So, the Sunday Observer and the sponsors should be happy for a job well done. This show has taken place in 1979 even prior to Sri Lanka gaining Test status in 1981.

Besides the publicity and the honour which the players gain , the school too will get the due recognition for producing a top player. Almost 80% of the players who have won, not only the key awards, but even the Outstation cricketers have made use of the encouragement and gone on to receive national honours. Referring to the latest addition to the list of awards which was introduced a couple of years ago, the Best Behaved Team which was introduced on the advice of an early winner - Ranjan Madugalle will no doubt instill more discipline in school cricket.

The schools from the rural areas should be given full credit for their achievements as they take the field with very limited resources. Some schools haven’t the basic requirement like having a playground. But, still the sheer determination keeps them going on and the end result has been very good.