With the unethical removal of Angelo Mathews from the upcoming England ODI series, Graeme Labrooy has officially become the worst chief selector in Sri Lanka cricket history!
A man, with no selection sense and fully loaded with ‘political influence’ he will forever be remembered as ‘most clueless Chief selector’ in world cricket history. The most important thing is that he is not committed and dedicated to Sri Lanka cricket as his ICC commitment and Insurance business always remains his first priority.
The saddest part is that his fellow selectors are equally incompetent! In this scenario, when Labrooy and his selection panel won’t survive beyond England tour most probably, there are some dynamic, transparent and non-political stalwarts of Sri Lanka Cricket, who can replace bunch of these clueless selectors. In last two days, Cricket Age talked with more than 50 former players, administrators and based on their thoughts, figured out some best candidates to take over the selection committee.
Roshan Mahanama : He is the best person to lead the selection committee, if he accepts it, and if Thilanga Sumathipala ‘puppets’ at SLC approaches him. One of the most respected former player in Sri Lanka cricket, he has the widest knowledge of Sri Lanka cricket, one can ever imagine. Though, he is the best person to run the SLC as a president itself, Sumathipala had modified board Constitution according to his benefits. Even if he comes as a Chief selector, it could be a new beginning for Sri Lanka cricket.
Russel Arnold : Sri Lanka Cricket never thought of him as a selector. But mind you, he can be the best person to head selection panel if Mahanama is reluctant. A non-political and non-controversial former stylish left-hander of Sri Lanka golden era, he brings plenty of experience of world cricket with him. A commentator with unique game reading sense, he could be the best person to bail out Sri Lanka cricket from the deepened crisis. Though, it’s very unlikely that he will accept the job, as he is fully occupied with his commentary, if SLC, who wastes millions on useless ‘Messiah’s’, can convince him, it could be the best thing for Sri Lanka cricket. A young and dynamic personality, he can serve Sri Lanka cricket big time as a selector!
Romesh Kaluwitharana : He was in the previous selection committee with legendary Sanath Jayasuriya as well. Though, initially, he was not that much familiar with selection process, people’s around him says that he has improved a lot over the years and now could be a good selector. With his glory as a world Cup winning player, he has the charisma and authority to be included in the selection panel.
Sajith Fernando : Until he was there as one of the selector, Graeme Labrooy selection committee was doing reasonable selections. He was the most transparent, no-nonsense selector in Labrooy’s otherwise incompetence panel. Moreover, he was the one, who had the dedication, commitment and time to go and watch every domestic and Junior cricket match. with his vast experience, he provides unmatched inside knowledge of Sri Lanka domestic cricket and could be a vital part in the new selection committee.
Ranjith Madurasinghe : a fine off spinner of his time, Madurasinghe has been highly rated in Sri Lanka domestic circuit with his vision for the development of the game. Till few months ago, he was the chairman of junior selection committee. However, his panel were mysteriously dissolved as Graeme Labrooy led panel took over the junior selection as well. His selection panel will be rendered for discovering and nurturing future prospects like Hasitha Boyagoda, Kamindu Mendis, Jehan Daniel, Ashen Bandara. With his vision, preparation and a hunger for the perfection makes him a ideal person to be included in the selection committee, if SLC is really committed to bring Sri Lanka Cricket on track.
Kapila Wijegunawardena : He was the best ever chief selector in Sri Lanka cricket history. Unfortunately, Sumathipala and his looters doesn’t want honest people around them, so he was mysteriously removed last time. He took courageous decisions and brought youngsters like Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva and Dasun Shanaka into the national team. A bold and no not nonsense person, he could be the Savior of Sri Lanka cricket in this crisis.
