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by - Johann J (SNNI)
 Sri
Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) newly-appointed chairman Arjuna
Ranatunga, on Wednesday, said he is keen on increasing the
frequency of Tests against India and will take up the matter
with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"I have just taken over. I am going to hold a meeting
with the CEO of SLC Duleep Mendis and other officials and
work out the possibility of having regular exchange programmes
regarding cricket matches with India," Ranatunga said.
He said it will be on the lines of regular cricket fixtures
that India has with Australia and Pakistan. The 44-year-old
Ranatunga said he was keen that the two Asian nations play
regular Test matches.
He said after discussing the matter with the cricket board
officials he will hold talks with the BCCI officials and
put forth the views of the SLC. By taking over as the SLC
Chairman, Ranatunga will also take over as the head of the
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) at least till August this year.
The ACC Chairman’s post is now being held by Sri Lanka
on a rotational basis and the outgoing Chairman Jayantha
Dharmadasa was its head.
The former cricket captain, now a Member of Parliament representing
the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), has taken over
as SLC chairman when the country is faced with retirement
of top cricketers and the need to find able replacements.
"We have the potential to be one of the best sides
in the world. I will be consulting several people on further
improving the standard of the game. In fact some former
Test players have even expressed their willingness to coach
the youngsters free of cost for the SLC," he said.
In a recent meeting, Ranatunga stressed the need to introduce
a national sports policy through parliamentary regulations
immediately.—TI
Courtesy - SNNI |