Cricket Age Exclusive
Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket giant, has been accused of poaching rival clubs players by using unethical methods, Cricket Age exclusively learns.
The sensational allegation has been made by Chilaw Marians secretary Godfrey Dabrera, who is also the manager of international venues and stadiums at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
“We wish to bring to your kind attention that we have reliable information that two of our players have been approached by current/former SSC players/third parties.
There is an understanding between first-class clubs that we will not try to poach players from each other Club’s by unethical methods. If a club really needs a certain player, then this request should come through official communication between club officials/management.
Therefore, we kindly request you to look into this matter and take necessary action” Godfrey, in his letter to SSC secretary Vasantha Wijesekera, dated August 31, has written.
When inquired further, Cricket Age learned that present SSC head Coach Thilana Kandambi and fast bowler Dhammika Prasad, who both played for Sri Lanka, have constantly been approaching other clubs players, using various tactics. Cricket Age understand that in last few weeks, apart from two Chilaw Marians players, both Kandambi and Dhammika Prasad have also contacted other rival clubs (like Saracens) cricketers in their bid to approach them to play for the SSC.
However, later Kandambi and Dhammika Prasad turned just pawn, as it emerged that a former international player from the SSC, along with a current member of the national team, is the mastermind behind these unethical methods.
“The cricketers were told that they would be considered for the higher level selection, only if they accept the offer. The players, mostly emerging talents, are frightened by these tactics” a top official from Chilaw Marians told Cricket Age.
It is noteworthy that the so called high-profile appointment of former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as SSC cricket committee chairman had brought no change in fortunes for the grand old club, as Dimuth Karunaratne led side were embarrassingly knocked out even before Super 8 in the recently concluded domestic tournament and were forced to play in plate division. Chilaw Marians, on the other hand, played exceptional cricket in the tournament, having won two matches out of six.
Mahela Jayawardene, meanwhile, was recently appointed as the chairman of the National Sports Council. On the next day of the appointment, Mahela left for UAE, where he will be for next three months in his bid to Help Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians winning it’s 3rd title, as head coach!
