Minister calls for report from SLC

• SLC Board to report to Minister on coaching changes and selection criteria 
• Defends team against criticism, says team is talented 
• Appointed psychiatrist to improve morale 

By Chathuri Dissanayake 

Launching a strong defence of the national Test cricket team, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara yesterday said that he had already held a meeting with the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Board to address the shortcomings the side was presently experiencing. 

Jayasekara has already called for two reports - one on the team’s facilitators and the impact the repeated hiring and firing of training staff has had on the team, another on the selection process, criteria and principles followed by the Selection Committee. The Minister is also to hold a meeting with the team after the One day series is over, he said. 

“I held a two-hour meeting with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The meeting revealed that there were a number of issues and shortcomings in the selection process and facilitation of the team that is why I have called for the reports,” he told reporters at a Cabinet press briefing. 

The Minister stressed that the way forward should be first discussed with the team and the SLC Board. 

We have to see what their solution to the issue is first. What I have asked for is their future plan.”

As an interim measure the ministry has appointed a psychiatrist to help the team deal with any psychological setbacks the players may be currently undergoing. 

The Minister defended the team’s starting line-up, saying it was a talented side which was currently experiencing a few setbacks. 

“In my view however this is the best team we have. I don’t think we can put forward a better Test team, there are no better players. These players have performed well in the past, but have experienced setbacks at present. I don’t think we should be overly concerned. They are a good team, the players have performed well, but there is a subsequent setback in performance. Another thing we need to take into account is that India is one of the best teams. Under the present circumstances, what should be done now is not to put them down but to support them and push them forward,” he said. 

“We need to support them to get back into the game and perform, what else can be done?”  

Responding to criticism levelled against the board by a former player, he said that the cricket board cannot be changed at present, adding that the team performed well even during the time when there was only an interim board. However, the Minister admitted that constant changes in the coaching line-up and other facilitators for the team had an impact on the team. 

“I spoke about different areas regarding the team during the discussions with the board on Tuesday. I have asked for a report regarding the sudden changes and the impact of those haphazard changes,” he said.  

The Minister also expressed his reluctance to interfere with SLC decisions as it may be interpreted by the ICC as politicising the game. 

Nevertheless, he insisted: “I do have a role to play in this as the Sports Minister of the country.”