Junior cricket selectors want new remedy | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

Junior cricket selectors want new remedy

10 February, 2019
Ranjith Madurasinghe
Ranjith Madurasinghe

The newly installed junior cricket selection committee has noted that the standard of school cricket has fallen to a very low level and only a concerted effort can put things right if Sri Lanka is to look to the future.

The remarks were made by none other than the Committee’s new head Ranjith Madurasinghe in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

“We all know that junior cricket is our future and it has to be handled in a proper way. In those days we saw national level players at school level. Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Roshan Mahanama, Asanga Gurusinha and Hashan Tillekeratne were in that level, but today it is not up to that standard,” said Madurasinghe a former Sri Lanka off-spin bowler.

“We have to recognize school cricketers well and that must be the duty of the junior selectors. This is something that the senior selector cannot do as their job is to focus on the Sri Lanka team and its progress,” added Madurasinghe.

Madurasinghe said the main focus at hand of the junior selectors was the forthcoming Under-19 World Cup in South Africa in 2020 while also taking care of the under-13, 15 and 17 levels to come up with a proper structure.

“I have to say that most school coaches are only concerned about the results of their matches and that is because their number one intention is to make sure their positions and that of the team is secured.

“That is why you need to build and nurture junior players in the right way so that they could some day make it to the senior national team and not to suit anyone’s individual interests,” Madurasinghe stressed.

He said the new junior selectors would be looking to open a dialog with school coaches to sort out matters that hinder the growth of players who can make the grade and into the Sri Lanka team.

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