Welcome transparency to Sports Bodies' Governance

Several sports enthusiasts and governance watchers are complimenting Minister of Sport Mahindananda Aluthgamage for his fearless approach where he insisted that voting to appoint office-bearers to the Amateur Athletic Association should be by a show of hands. It's time for Transparency.

While applauding the action of the Minister, they also wanted him to act similarly when elections are held to other National Sport Associations, so as to stop the maneuvering and possible corruption when voting by secret ballot is conducted.

The sports watchers also wanted the Minister to appoint a committee to probe the allegations made that some contesting for office in the AASL had provided the voters incentives to insist on a secret ballot and vote for particular office-bearers.

We too are in agreement with these requests and urge the Minister to appoint a committee, name the culprits and expose them, so that it will serve as a lesson to those attempting such underhand tactics.

Tails tucked

When their machinations failed, those wanting to cling to office like leeches and enjoy the perks that go with such office were seen beating a hasty retreat with the tails tucked between their legs. As the saying, 'Serves them right', said some upstanding voters.

Now it is left to Major General Daya Rathnayake,

President and Secretary Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando to repay the confidence the Minister and the voters have in them and to deliver and take Track and Field to the top once again.

The Sports Minister was on the correct runway, when he stalled an attempt by an individual to overrule the selections made by the Tennis selectors and install one of his favourites, who it is said did not know how to handle a tennis racquet.

Now that he is on the ball, the Minister must continue the good work and not fall prey to those with hidden agendas who will do their best to belittle the good work that he has set out to do and muddy his name.

Gayle blows over

Finally the Chrys Gayle episode has blown over and there is the likelihood of the former Captain and dashing left handed batsman playing for his country in the limited overs competition against England in England.

But in agreeing to sport his country's colours again, Gayle left a bad taste in the mouth when he reneged on the contract he had with English County Somerset to play for them in the Twenty20.

When it looked as though the bickering between the West Indies Cricket Board and Gayle was headed nowhere, it was heartening to note that behind the scenes talks between the two parties finally led to the settlement for Gayle to play for his country again. His re-emergence will add much needed zip to the Windies team.

Bitterly disappointed

Somerset County who had signed a contract with Gayle, were bitterly disappointed, but stopped short of taking legal action against Gayle, because it would not be good for the county and the player.

At the moment, the West Indies are on tour in England and skipper Daren Sammy and coach Otis Gibson have said that they will be only too glad to welcome Gayle into the fold.

Gayle at the moment is hitting opposing bowlers all over the parks. Boundaries and and Sixes abound in his repertoire while playing for the Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League. His presence in the WI squad for the one-dayers will certainly lift the spirit and the standard of their game and they would prove worthy competitors.

Faith in Ponting

Australian coach Mickey Arthur gave former Australian Captain Ricky Ponting a vote of confidence when he said that the stylish and heavy scoring batsman would be in Aussie plans for the next Ashes series in England.

What prompted Arthur to play for Ponting was the good batting form shown by the veteran batsman during the recent Aussie tour to the Caribbean. Ponting came good with the bat when most needed.

Ponting's experience will be invaluable in England when the Aussies attempt to wrest back the Ashes that they lost disgracefully in Australia last year under Ponting's captaincy.

England was led by South African born left-hander Andrew Strauss.

Even Michael Clarke, the present Australian Captain is all in favour of having Ponting in his team. This is because Ponting's experience and advice on the field will be of immense value and importance to him.

Thirst and hunger

In addition, Ponting has not lost his thirst and hunger for big runs and if he gets going, the England bowlers would be in for a hiding and the fielders chasing leather all over the England Parks.

He is now second only to India's Sachin Tendulkar in the most runs made in Test cricket. Ponting will want to add runs and more runs to his record before finally bidding adieu.

His critics who were baying for his quitting from all forms of the game would have been silenced for the moment after the support Ponting received from Arthur and Clarke.

Ponting quit the one-day game after his failures in the Tri nation cricket tourney in Australia which also featured Sri Lanka and India, which best of three finals was won by Australia beating Sri Lanka 2-1.

Brad Hogg at 41

Left-arm former Australian dual purpose bowler Brad Hogg at 41 is going strong in the Indian Premier League playing for Rajasthan Royals and getting amongst the wickets.

Hogg quit international cricket a few years back, but does not seem to have lost his zest and thirst for the game. He seems quite fit like when he was spinning for his country and teasing opposing batsmen.

He is still dropping his leg breaks, top spinners and the lost art that of the Chinaman and batsmen facing him are not finding it easy to read which way the ball is going once it pitches.

At 41 years of age, when most cricketers would have long retired, Hogg is an example and proves what fitness can achieve.

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