Let's play it clean, BCCSL Chief Executive tells Aussie CB (5 October 1998)

5 October 1998

Let's play it clean, BCCSL Chief Executive tells Aussie CB

By Elmo Rodirgopulle

Let's play it clean. That was the message Dhammika Ranatunga, Chief Executive of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka took with him to the Australian Cricket Board on his recent visit there.

The BCCSL was perturbed with articles appearing in some newspapers in Australia which gave indications that the Muttiah Muralitharan 'chucking' affair could be unearthed to unsettle the offspinning sensation, when Sri Lanka tour Australia for the triangular tournament in January next year which also features England.

Ranatunga during his meeting with Dennis Rogers, Chairman of ACB and Malcom Speed, Chief Executive told them that Sri Lanka would like to have a trouble free tour.

"When Sri Lanka previously toured Australia, there was a lot of ill feeling between the players and the umpires with the 'calling' of Muralitharan and the tour ended on a very sour note. I told the ACB officials that we would like a trouble free tour and for them to do everything they can at their end to keep the tour clean.

"The response I received from Rogers and Speed was fantastic and they too were keen that all controversy be avoided and the game played in the true spirit,' said the CE of the BCCSL.

However, the Australian Umpires Association is an independent body and how their umpires react to Muralitharan's bowling action will be interesting to watch. In this aspect the ACB will be helpless.

The Aussie umpires no doubt were annoyed when the International Cric ket Council cleared Muralitharan after studying all evidence submitted to them on his action that some of the Aussie umpires thought unfair.

"Now that the Muralitharan chucking affair has been buried once and for all it is hoped that it will remain that way', said Ranatunga.

Ranatunga also made use of this opportunity to discuss many other matters pertaining to the tour which is going to be one of the best triangular tournaments conducted judging by the arrangements being made.

Ranatunga also discussed the financial side of the tour, guarantees and probed possibilities where players can earn extra money by displaying logos on their gear.

Ranatunga was happy that he made this tour, especially because he was able to have cordial discussions with Rogers and Speed and tell them that Sri Lanka was very concerned about the good relations that exist between the two countries and he would not want this friendship spoilt by unwanted and controversial happenings on and off the field during the triangular series.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)