The players have to get their due: Ranatunga

By Vijay Lokapally

NEW DELHI, SEP. 9. He continues to be the `Anna' of Sri Lankan cricket. The elder brother, compassionate towards the new comers, harsh at times on errant seniors, but one with a heart for the players. He was the players' captain and Arjuna Ranatunga understandably takes pride in the fact that he still receives the same warmth when he enters the Sri Lankan dressing room. Sporting a beard and looking relaxed, the former Sri Lankan skipper, in Delhi on a professional visit, spoke to The Hindu on Sunday before leaving for Colombo.

Cricket gave him lot of joy, a World Cup triumph to cherish in 1996, but it also brought him pain and anguish in the shape of humiliation from the Board towards the end of his career. A matchwinner par excellence, he had to prove his fitness and loyalty to a set of demanding officials, who did ultimately succeed in hounding him out.

The loss was Sri Lankan's cricket.

His parting with the game, as is the pattern in the sub- continent, was unpleasant. He was ill-treated by the Board, which, he believes, was all along waiting to stab him. ``I was the marked man. As was Aravinda (de Silva). The selectors had a grudge against the two of us. But that's how life is. I have no regrets. I am happy as long as Sri Lankan cricket is doing well.''

Ranatunga grew emotional as he reflected on the dark period of his career. ``I was very disappointed by the manner in which the Board treated me. We had a bad World Cup (in 1999) and it gave the Board the platform to go after me. I was put on the chopping block because I used to fight for the players and it did not suit the officials.''

Staying away from cricket has allowed him to indulge in lot of things of his liking. ``I have been busy with my family but I have kept in touch with the game too. Murali, Sanath (Jayasuriya) keep in constant touch with me. We have a great rapport. I am proud of my relationship with the current lot. I am very happy that the juniors respect me as much as when I was their captain.''

Would he like to get involved in administration? Ranatunga sounded uncertain. ``The scenario is not good. Very much dominated by politicians. It is difficult for people like me to come to the Board because I don't have the money to buy votes. I am a person who talks straight. I have given my life to the game in my country and it pains me when undeserving people climb on to the podium in suit and tie to share the limelight with the players.'' ``They (officials) treat the players like servants. I can't stand that. They (Board) know I will fight for the players. So they are happy if I stay away. In fact, I didn't go to the Board's office for more than a year after my retirement.''

``I am a firm believer of traditions. We respect our elders but then this respect has to be earned. I can't respect officials who only insult the cricketers,'' he said.

What pleased Ranatunga was the fact that the players today were getting what they deserved. ``I am happy that Sanath and Murali are getting twice the money I or Aravinda got. I am very happy for them. There was a time when I had to fight for hundred dollars more for the players.''

And there was also a time when Ranatunga travelled in a public bus to play a Test in Colombo. ``It's true. I have gone to play Test matches in public buses. There was no vehicle to take us. The visiting team would get much better facilities than the home team. All that changed with time when we demanded better rights and facilities for the players.''

Would he then not be interested in administration in Sri Lankan cricket? ``I will wait. I am not in a hurry. The present set up is not very conducive for me to be in the Board.

He was critical of the Board for more reasons. ``The officials must realise that the Board survives because of the players and they have to look after the players. If the players don't do well than the Board wouldn't survive. It is as simple as that. The players have to get their due,'' said Ranatunga.

The genial Sri Lankan also digressed from the topic to say a few kind words for Sourav Ganguly. ``I think you people have been very harsh on Sourav. I think he is a good captain. Just remember that he didn't have the best side to lead in the last series in Sri Lanka and most of the batsmen were playing Murali in a Test for the first time. How can you blame these youngsters when some of the top batsmen in the world are still trying to figure out Murali. Without Sachin (Tendulkar), the Indians entered the field 25 per cent down and Sri Lankans were 25 per cent up even before the first ball was bowled. Sourav is aggressive and that is how a captain should be. He fights for his players and that is a good sign. I would only ask him to check his temper a little. You have a good side I tell you.''

The leader of Sri Lankan cricket would also have a few pupils in the Indians team, admirers of his cricket and commitment. Not for nothing was he hailed as the `Anna' of Sri Lankan cricket. The path on which Sanath Jayasuriya and his men are earning glory was discovered by Arjuna Ranatunga, a cricketer with vision and blessed with a rare quality to spot potential.

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