Things are going according to so called flag bearers plan, as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has shortlisted five candidates for the national team manager post, including Mahinda Halangoda, Cricket Age exclusively learns.
In the recently concluded Bangladesh test series, women’s cricket coordinator Manuja Kariyapperuma shouldered the responsibility on interim basis, as the cricket board is yet to appoint the permanent manager.
According to sources, yesterday (May 10), SLC CEO Ashley de Silva and technical advisory committee shortlisted five candidates after taking interviews. Apart from Halangoda, the other shortlisted candidates are – Farveez Maharoof, Manuja Kariyapperuma, Jerry Woutersz and one from University of Ruhana.
“Even though 14 candidates had applied for the job, only these 5 were called for the Interview. Many others, who have served for the similar post in national setup, are disappointed that they were not given a chance to present their vision” an insider at SLC told Cricket Age.
The accusations are that the concerned authorities have already finalized the manager, that’s why others were not interviewed.
“While other deserving candidates were snubbed, at 71, Jerry Woutersz was called for the interview just to hoodwink people. It’s also shocking that Maharoof is shortlisted, even though he had a notorious past with U19 team” a candidate, who had applied for the post, told Cricket Age.
Interestingly, even before candidates applied for the post, Cricket Age, on April 22 itself, had published that on so called flag bearers Influence, former first class player of Sinhlease Sports Club (SSC) Mahinda Halangoda is most likely to be appointed as Sri Lanka Team Manager.
“The flag bearers of the Sri Lanka cricket desperately want Halangoda as national team manager” a technical committee insider had told Cricket Age on May 22.
It has learned that this flag bearer, along with few other former players, is working on a strategy to establish a chain of players to supply them for the T20, T10 leagues around the globe, in the supervision of his notorious manager. That’s why, in last few months, this newly emerged cricket mafia has taken control not only in the national team setup, but domestic cricket also, by bringing their yes men like Pramodaya Wickramasinghe for every important position. If, selectors, manager, captains everyone will be under their control, it will be much easier for them to manipulate.
“The plan is to control Sri Lanka cricket from one particular club and supply players from the leagues around the globe. If manager will also be from their club, manipulation will be much more easier” the insider added.
Halangoda has served as U19 team manager in past.
