|
The Cricket Show guy
By Farah Macan Markar
 Sssports is his world
especially cricket,
"The Cricket Show"
being his special wicket.
Yes, B.M.C.Thomas
Manager of MBC Sports,
that enthusiastic guy
you see on TV up close.
"Sports in focus"
he daily reads out in the news,
in his own unique way
which nobody else could.
Of "The Cricket Show" he says
it's his greatest experience ever.
"I've interviewed over 200 superstars
it's something I treasure.
I've done 310 episodes.
Interviewed the best blokes in the cricketing field,
from cricketers to commentators
I'd love to tell my grand children about it.
Tony Greig-out of this world
Sunny Gavaskar-amazing
Wasim Akram-enjoyable
Simply great-the Waugh Twins".
His favourite ex cricketer-Arjuna,
Presently-Murali and Vaas.
Other than cricket, his passion's been rugby
which at the moment has passed.
Having done radio shows in the seventies
Thomas went into aviation.
Came back to the field of broadcasting
in which he has been ever since then.
An Anchor is how he describes himself
"I give a prediction of the match to be.
Later summarise the game up
and discuss the pros and cons of it.
I was the one who brought this dimension
to Sri Lanka" he says.
"I don't copy anyone,
I do things my way.
I'm different from other Anchors
they are too predictable I feel.
Anchoring's in my blood,
I never get tired of it".
Cricket's been his passion
right from school days.
He'd give ball by ball commentary
in the cricket matches the school played.
Trinity College kandy
and S.Thomas College up at Mount,
is where young Brian had his schooling
and many a clout.
Being a terror at school,
the most craziest thing his done there,
was rise up from a tomb stone
which gave his master quite a scare.
That dear Sir got a 100.3 fever
which raged on for some days.
"Everyone knew it was a B.T. joke,
it was hilarious" he says.
His father being a tea planter
|Brian grew up there in the climes,
which was lovely he says
"I had a great life".
Born on the 23rd of August
nineteen fifty four.
He loves German Shepherds,
he hates discos.
Cuttle fish and prawns
are his favourite palate.
Clean shaven, shirt and pants,
are his traditional dress.
So who is Brian Thomas?
"I am a strong person,
an excellent negotiator
and can keep the conversation going".
How long will we see him on screen?
"As long as the public accept me.
There will come a time when it all has to end,
I hope to retire gracefully".
|
