Cricket selectors to get extension

Chief cricket selector Asantha de Mel and his team is likely get an extended term until next year’s World Cup as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) believes that a change of hands would adversely affect the team’s preparation ahead of the crucial tournament.
The term of the current five-member selection committee which includes Chairman De Mel, Anura Tennakoon, Vinodhan John, Don Anurasiri and Chaminda Mendis will expire on March 31, but cricket officials say considering the performance during the past year, they are likely to get an extended term.
Sri Lanka who won the 1996 World Cup held in the sub-continent eyes a repeat performance at the 2011 edition which will once again be held in the sub-continent.
“First of all we don’t see it as the right thing to do when the World Cup is knocking at the door,” said SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga.
“On the other hand they have done a commendable job over the last several months, so it’s only fair to give them another team,” he added.
Sri Lanka cricket selectors in recent months brought in some drastic changes to the national team brining in several freshers which proved fruitful as youthful Sri Lanka team won the recent tri-series involving India and Bangladesh.
SLC will make their recommendation to the minister of sports on or before the term expires and expect his ratification.
Sri Lanka’s cricket selectors are appointed by the Ministry of Sports on recommendation by the Sri Lanka Cricket.

– (CF)