Time For Authorities To Look After Players (19 Jan 1996)

The Electronic Telegraph Friday 19 January 1996

Time for authorities to look after players

Ihithisham Kamardeen on claims from offspinner of harsh umpiring

MUTTIAH Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan off-spinner, has criticised the International Cricket Council for failing to stand by cricketers and has vowed to take legal action against those who noballed him on Boxing Day during the Test match against Australia in Melbourne.

Muralitharan, 23, in a rare interview sanctioned by his team management, spoke of umpire Darrell Hair`s decision to no-ball him for throwing and similar actions by Ross Emerson and Tony McQuillan in a one-day match in Brisbane.

"The game is all about its cricketers. The ICC is not supportive of the players. The ICC is trying to protect the umpires and the officials. It is absurd," he said.

Muralitharan has not played since Jan 5, when he was called for throwing by Emerson, even bowling leg-spin. The touring team saved Muralitharan from further humiliation when they summoned all-rounder Ruwan Kalpage as cover for him.

"I am not chucking the ball," he said. "If I had been chucking I would have been called before. I have played for five years in international cricket, so many balls bowled and so many wickets taken.

"It is useless to have a governing body that can`t protect the players. It is time the ICC woke up. It is pointless sending match reports and having match referees if you can`t act when you are needed.

"Cricket is the only game in which an umpire has the powers to end the career of a player. Take all other games - tennis, rugby, football. Does this happen?

"The umpire`s decision is final and he gets away with it. That`s the end of the bowler`s career"

"The worst scenario could be a player will be suspended. But he`s back after a short period. Those umpires or referees do not have the powers to decide on a player`s career."

He said if the umpire decides a particular bowler should be noballed nobody can question him [the umpire].

"He`s protected by the law. The umpire`s decision is final and he gets away with it. That`s the end of the bowler`s career."

Muralitharan was speaking during filming of his action commissioned by the Sri Lankan cricket authorities in order to clear him to play in the third and final Test which starts in Adelaide on Jan 25.

Muralitharan claims that his arm action has come about because of a slight deformity at birth. "The only problem is that I have a bent arm, I can`t straighten it. I can`t help it. I was born with it. It has been medically proved," he said.

"Since I have been called [for throwing], I think I should fight for my rights. I will take legal action against the umpires and the ICC for ruining my cricketing career.

"With the World Cup in mind, playing back home I will be a big threat to the Australians. Sri Lanka are playing well at the moment.

Muralitharan is, however, more worried about all those who have offered support than about himself. "It has affected my whole world, my family, friends and all those who believed in me. I think it was very cruel.

"My career is full of question marks"

"Suddenly everyone is watching you for all the wrong reasons. They think I have cheated and taken all those wickets. I haven`t."

Muralitharan concedes the cloud over his career may yet force him out of the game. "I have a better life outside cricket. My parents have a confectionery business back in Sri Lanka and I am more than happy to join them."

He is prepared to sit out international cricket for a while and return as a leg-spinner if the need arises.

"I can bowl decent leg-spin with accuracy. But I need to learn a few more deliveries. If I am forced out of international cricket, I will make a comeback as a leg-spinner."

What shaped to be a golden career has been cast into jeopardy and the Australian Cricket Board`s refusal to let the umpires explain the reason behind the calling has frustrated Muralitharan.

"When we asked the ICC they`ve asked us to find out from the ACB. No one is prepared to give a proper explanation.

"My career is full of question marks. I am not sure whether I will be called or not when I play. One match I am called and not in another."

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (www.telegraph.co.uk)