The show identifies talented players - Paranathala

By Ranjan ANANDAPPA

CRICKET: While expressing the disappointment of not having a contest of the nature of “The Sunday Observer/Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year”, during his era, the former Sri Lanka all-rounder and retired DIG Jayantha Paranathala commended the show, saying that it identifies the talented player in a big way and inspires the youngsters to go forward .

A contest of this magnitude was not held during Paranathala’s era when he represented Isipathana College from 1966 to 1970 ending as captain of his school team in 1970. If there had been a competition, Paranathala would certainly have been a strong contender for the Best All-rounder’s award because at that time he was classed as one of the best all-round cricketers in the school cricket arena.

Paranathala said that the Sunday Observer/Mobitel School Cricket Contest is something like a ‘beacon’ light for the up-and-coming cricketers.’ During my time, there was no contest for schoolboy cricketers and people knew our ability in the cricket field through the newspapers. This contest, not only recognises the talents of the Colombo school lads, but also the one’s from the outstations. Whatever the category, let it be All-Island or Outstation, it is encouraging to see more and more cricketers coming into the fray.” said Paranathala.

He said that besides the two main awards, the winners of the other awards, mainly the Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best All-rounder and the Best Fielder get a terrific boost for their future cricket.

While at Isipathana, Paranathala represented Panadura SC and impressed as an all-rounder. After representing a Board XI in the Gopalan Trophy in 1970, Paranathala was awarded the Sri Lankan ‘cap’ when Sri Lanka played England in an unofficial Test in the pre-Test era. Sri Lanka was captained by Anura Tennekoon and the England captain was Tony Greig now a renowned commentator. England had players like Bob Willis, Derek Underwood to name a few. Paranathala, after playing for BRC, took the task of building the club upto what it is now. He was the president of the club from 1988 upto date. Jayantha Paranathala also held many responsible posts in the Cricket Board such as Manager of the national team and under 24 teams while on tour. The National Development Policy concept was introduced by him. While in the Umpires Committee he introduced new policies for everybody which helped to improve the standard of cricket umpires in the country.