Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday May 06, 2026
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By Shelton Dharmaratne
Sri Lanka’s cricketing journey has never been one of entitlement. It has been a story of disciplined progress, bold thinking, and earned success—epitomised by the triumph at the 1996 Cricket World Cup under the leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga. That defining moment was not the product of sentiment or symbolism, but of clear-eyed selection, tactical clarity, and an unwavering commitment to merit.
It is precisely this foundation that must guide the game today.
Governance reform
Recent discussions around governance reform have, in some quarters, been accompanied by speculative concerns about whether identity—be it race, religion, or social background—could influence national selection. While such ideas may not reflect formal policy, even their suggestion underscores the need to reaffirm a principle that has long underpinned successful cricketing nations: selection at the highest level must remain firmly rooted in performance, fitness, and role suitability.
Across the modern game, leading teams such as the Australia national cricket team, India national cricket team, and England cricket team offer a consistent lesson. Their strength lies not only in talent, but in systems that ensure credibility—robust domestic competitions, transparent selection processes, and governance structures that minimise undue influence. These are not abstract ideals; they are practical standards aligned with the expectations of the International Cricket Council and the realities of elite sport.
For Sri Lanka, the path forward does not require reinvention, but recommitment.
First, the credibility of selection must be beyond reproach. Independent panels, guided by clearly articulated criteria and supported by data and performance analytics, are essential to maintaining both fairness and public confidence.
Second, domestic cricket must serve as a genuine proving ground. When first-class and limited-overs competitions are competitive and consequential, merit becomes measurable and selection decisions become self-evident.
Third, governance structures must continue to evolve. The separation of administration from external influence, strengthened oversight mechanisms, and professional management practices are critical to sustaining long-term stability.
Importantly, a commitment to merit should not be misunderstood as indifference to inclusion. On the contrary, the strongest cricketing systems invest deeply in widening access—across regions, schools, and communities—so that all talented players have the opportunity to emerge. Inclusion at the grassroots strengthens merit at the top; it does not replace it.
Cricketing identity
Sri Lanka’s cricketing identity was built on clarity of purpose and the courage to make principled decisions. Those qualities remain as relevant today as they were in 1996. The challenge is not to choose between tradition and progress, but to recognise that true progress lies in upholding the standards that made success possible in the first place.
In the final analysis, the equation is straightforward. When systems are credible, opportunities are broad-based, and selection is merit-driven, performance follows.
For Sri Lanka cricket, reaffirming that balance is not merely desirable—it is essential.
