Muralitharan, the highest wicket taker won the award in 1991

Exactly a quarter century ago, the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest gave birth to a world champion. He eventually became the highest ever wicket-taker in Test cricket, establishing several other world records in international cricket.

He was none other than that soft-spoken and publicity-shy young cricketer from St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota – Muttiah Muralitharan. He richly deserved to kiss the top most honour and kiss that glittering trophy way back in 1991 after completing over 100 wickets each in successive inter-school cricket seasons.

Birth of a world champion……… That big moment for Muttiah Muralitharan of St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota (left) who receives Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the year 1991 Award from the chief guest, the then Minister of Housing and Construction Sirisena Cooray watched by the then Sunday Observer Chief Editor H.L.D. Mahindapala.

Winning that prestigious trophy was the stepping stone in the spin wizard’s distinguish career during which he had piloted Sri Lanka to many victories in both forms of the game. Exactly 20 years after he had won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title, Muralitharan was at the victory podium of the mega show in 2011 – to become the chief guest at the 33rd Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer awards show.

Speaking to the schoolboy cricketers, Muralitharan spoke to the young hopefuls in glowing terms. “You are the future players of Sri Lanka and you all must keep Sri Lanka’s flag flying wherever you go.”

“Play hard and dedicate yourself and then success is bound to come. Young cricketers – you all must know that only 11 players can play in a team and when you get the chance of playing, you all must put your heart and soul and give hundred percent to the team, so that success will come your way,” Muralitharan had told the gathering as the chief guest.

Muralitharan said that he was very happy to be back on stage at this show after 20 years and had paid a tribute to the Sunday Observer for its role in rewarding the outstanding schoolboy cricketers since 1979.

“Don’t be disappointed if you fail once or twice in the early stages of your career> Keep on trying and success if bound to come your way,” he was quoted as saying.

Muralitharan also handed out some advice to the large number of schoolboys present at the show. “Keep absolutely cool even when the going is not the way you want. I learnt this from my skipper Arjuna Ranatunga (another proud recipient of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in 1980 and 1982) who sported a cool head even when the going was not good.

Arjuna used to take pressure off the players when the going is not to his liking.
He doesn’t show any anger – that’s why he is called captain cool,” Muralitaran told the gathering.
Born on April 17, 1972, Muralitharan has achieved loads of records which would be hard to emulate.

He is the only person to capture 800 wickets in Test cricket. Representing Sri Lanka in 133 Tests, Muralitharan has accounted for 800 scalps with an attractive average of 22.72.

With his deadly off breaks, Muraitharan has enjoyed match bags of ten wickets or more on 22 occasions which too accounts for a world record. No other bowler has captured five wickets or more on 67 occasions in Test cricket. His one day international record too is equally impressive.

In 350 ODIs, the master spinner has captured 534 wickets with an average of 23.08.Taking that rich heritage forward with the Sunday Observer is Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, the proud sponsor of the mega event.

Together with the Sri Lanka Telecom and SLT Mobitel management, SLT Mobitel’s Chief Operative Officer Nalin Perera is extending their fullest support to make the Mother of all Shows a resounding success once again as it continues to remain the dream of every schoolboy cricketer!

With the completion of the annual ‘big matches’ and most of the traditional and tournament fixtures, the heat is now on as the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Contest reaches its climax. Voting for the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest, conducted under three categories - Platinum, Gold and Silver, has now reached its final few weeks.

Hence, it will be your last chance vote for your favourite schoolboy cricketer and support the next generation cricketers from your alma mater. It will be a big boost for those outstanding young cricketers as the cream of them prepare to enter the club arena with a hope of proudly wearing that Sri Lanka cap eventually.