sri lankan

Alastair Cook: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“The cricketing gods might look down in a bit of disgust.”

Alastair Cook is not too happy with Sri Lankan batters, who appeared to lose sight of the target in the attempt to ensure that Dinesh Chandimal reached his century at Lord’s.

What he really meant:

“The rain gods did not oblige us with a wash-out. Why should they favour Sri Lanka and particularly Dinesh Chandimal? ”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I would not have had much to say had Sri Lanka batted first.”

“I’d better say something critical before any one points out how long I took to make my ton.”

Lalit Modi, BCCI and ICL: Why did Modi reveal all?

If it had not been the BCCI that first linked him to the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL), his recent disclosures about the Indian Cricket League (ICL) could have been construed as yet another attempt by Lalit Modi to turn the spotlight back on him.

The ex-IPL honcho projects an impression of missing the glory, accolades and kudos that came his way when he was the high-flying architect of the biggest organizational success story in international cricket since Kerry Packer‘s  World Series Cricket (WSC).

The Indian television media, as expected, went overboard on his revelations. Arnab Goswami of Times Now button-holed the IPL founder on prime time. Lalit Modi flatly denied any connection with the Sri Lankan league—direct or indirect.

To attribute altruistic considerations  to Lalit Modi’s revelations—as Arnab rightly pointed out—is foolish. However, to dismiss the allegations as ravings of a disgruntled ex-BCCI employee or to term him a liar is foolhardy.

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Stuart Law: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“It was another great innings today. He’s a pain in the backside, to be honest.”

Sri Lankan coach, Stuart Law, minces no words in his assessment of Ian Bell’s contribution to his side’s travails in the Test series against England.

What he really meant:

“Bell has been the backbone of this English side—to our detriment.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’ve ordered extra padding in our players’ trouser seats. And loads of Zandu balm.”

Chris Gayle’s travails highlight ‘club vs country’ debate once more

What will Chris Gayle do? What can he do?

The West Indian bat is not forgiven by the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB).

“It’s our way or the highway” was the message to the Jamaican all-rounder in the latest meet between representatives of the WICB and the West Indian Players Association (WIPA) called to resolve the differences between Chris Gayle and WICB.

The aggrieved board insists that Gayle retract his statements,critical of the board’s functioning specifically about mishandling his injury and his turning out for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the  IPL.

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Do our sporting heroes deserve us?

A nation gets the politicians it deserves.

By the same token, do fans get the sports stars they deserve?

Kumar Sangakarra instructed his young teammate and bowler Suraj Randiv to ensure that Sehwag be denied the single he needed to complete his century. Sangakarra was seen to have deliberately allowed four byes past earlier in Randiv’s over ensuring the scores were tied with Sehwag still stuck on ninety-nine.

The youthful Randiv bowls a blatant no ball to finish the match. His interpretation of his skipper’s exhortation was translated into controversial action. The transgression over the line was clear-cut; there was no shadow for doubt. It could not have been overlooked by the hapless umpire.

The shameful act has been debated by cricketing pundits all over the world; more so in the Sri Lankan and Indian media. Can we say that winning at all costs has now become the mantra of the hour?

This was not about winning either. It was the petulant act of a spoilt child when denied a lollipop.

“If I can’t have a win, you shall not have a century either , however well-deserved!”

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