ID :
49051
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 08:01
Auther :

SPORT RANATUNGA

SPORT RANATUNGA
(Editors: Here is a special column written by former Sri
Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga on the terrorist attack
against the Sri Lankan team in Lahore Tuesday. In using this
write-up, kindly carry Ranatunga's byline and credit it to
PTI)

Never thought cricketers would be welcomed like soldiers



By Arjuna Ranatunga

I never thought I would see the day when cricketers would
return in the arms of their families as soldiers often do
after a protracted battle at the front. But, sadly, this is
what I saw today when the Sri Lankan team returned home from
Lahore.

It was around half past nine on Tuesday morning when I
received a call from the (Sri Lankan) Prime Minister about the
terrible incident unfolding in Lahore. For the next four
hours, we were on open lines with the Pakistan authorities and
our embassy in Islamabad. We feared worst which thankfully
was not the case. It has now been replaced by the gnawing
feeling that it's cricket which is now fighting for its
survival.

I, as a former cricketer and Board official, have often
been confronted by the security issue in Pakistan. Last year,
as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), I took the
call for the Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan. It wasn't an
easy decision but the assurances from the Pakistan Cricket
Board (PCB), in consultation with the government, were
comforting.

I personally went over and was delighted to see
top-class security arrangements. The Asia Cup passed off
without a hiccup. The players were happy too. I am not sure
how the security issue between the Sri Lankan board and its
Pakistan counterparts was handled this time around. A lot of
uncomfortable questions would now be asked.

The next big issue confronting cricket in the
sub-continent is on hand. Indian Premier League (IPL) is just
a few weeks away. Auctions, transfers and security issues were
being put in place. Now they would be up for review.

Foreign cricketers, in particular, would be questioning
if the enormous sum of money on offer could replace the
anxiety of family and sanguine advice of their managers. Such
issues invite a herd-like reactions from human beings.
Cricketers are no different.

A few walkouts, I fear, could open floodgates. And before
you realise, the wheels of cricket would come to a stop. The
Indian cricket Board and their government must present a
unified, determined stance to the world.

Their intent and urgency is the key. Any dithering would
only add to the insecurity of the visiting cricketers.

The issue is still hot. I hope it would cool down in the
next few days. Cricketers and administrators can then think
and decide with a clear mind. Cricket, especially in the
sub-continent, can't afford to take another hit.

But then, is this only the responsibility of the
sub-continent's cricket Boards and the governments to clear
the mess? The issue might be at our doorsteps but the danger
is no less alive for the rest of the world. Everyone needs to
join hands to tackle terrorism.

It ought to be crushed with a heavy hand. We have
actually seen a helicopter on a cricket pitch. It's symbolic
of the gravest threat that has endangered the game we all
love.

In the last few hours, I have watched the return of
Mahela Jayawardene and his boys to the homeland. Looking at
the anxiety, tears and relief on the face of their families
was overpowering.

Cricket and war is now being talked in the same breadth.
It's a sinking feeling, but we must rise together and take on
this menace which confronts our game. PTI AS
AM
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