Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof is desperately lobbying for U19 manager position, Cricket Age reliably learns. However, domestic stalwart Shane Fernando is likely to get the prestigious post, only if he manages to convince so called Technical advisory committee flag bearers through his presentation.
Yesterday, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 26 Member under 19 National Training Squad in preparation for the upcoming Inbound Tours, U19 Asia Cup, and the U19 World Cup. The Junior National Selectors chose the squad of 26 members out of the 75 players, chosen via an Island wide Talent Profiling Program conducted by cricket board. The Talent Profiling Program was conducted in partnership with the Schools Cricket Association and the Provincial Cricket Associations. Before the selection of the 26 players, the 75 players underwent a Residential Training Program in Kandy, which consisted of skills training, game education, fitness sessions, and several practice games. The squad, however, is still without a manager!
That’s where, Maharoof comes into the picture. A former U19 manager and junior selector, Maharoof, over the years, has made it a habit to apply for every position at Maitland Place. Now, he is eyeing on U19 manager post.
“It’s an unwritten rule of Sri Lanka Cricket that Maharoof lobbies for every post offered by the board. Accordingly, now he is trying for U19 position also” an Insider at SLC told Cricket Age.
Problem with Maharoof, though, is that he tries too hard.
“He shows that much desperation that he takes breakfast with one of the so called SAINT of Sri Lanka Cricket who lives nearby him, takes launch at Punchi Borella and then dinner with board top brass” SLC Insider added.
Interestingly, Maharoof’s previous tenure as U19 team manager was full of controversies! A former player with multi tasking abilities, Maharoof’s association as U19 team manager in past motivated players to focus on taking alcohol and carrying whiskey bottles, instead of concentrating on their games. When he was the team manager, three U19 players in September 2019 were found drunk in their hotel room after team’s semifinal clash against India was washed out at P. Sara Stadium, Colombo.
That’s why, not him, but Colts Cricket Club stalwart Shane Fernando has emerged front runner to grab the U19 manager position.
“Especially, as Shane is in the good book of top brass of cricket board, he is almost certain to get the high profile job” the Insider added.
Another former U19 manager Mahinda Halangoda is also emerged as one of the contender. However, due to his some personal issues with so called technical committee members, it’s unlikely that he will be getting the responsibility.
“He has played the game and more importantly brings discipline in the dressing room. He is a successful businessman and no one can manipulate him. However, unfortunately, he is not in the good book of technical committee” the Insider added further.
