We lost matches because of the fault of seniors and selectors.

We lost matches because of ....

the fault of seniors and selectors!

-- Arjuna Ranatunga

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and Minister Arjuna Ranatunga expressed his ideas at a media discussion in

Colombo about the World Cup dreams falling apart after the Sri Lankan team lost against South Africa saying that the fault rests on senior players and the selection committee.

"Just see .... the child is taken for the match on the final day saying he's playing like Kusal, Sanath, Janith. What's the meaning of this? He's put in the semi-finals all of a sudden, to play. What is this ....is this a plan? What these people are doing is,living for today only. After this World Cup .... the young children of today will become those who have been tied up and let off. I believe that when distinguished players go on pension, new players should be given a chance to structure their minds and play. However much a player goes on record .... or enters the Guiness Book, there's no point if he doesn't play with love for his country. Last time also after the World Cup we faced problems .... because a number of accomplished players were going on pension. But by that time the selection committee nor the experienced players tried to develop young players.  In those days we changed our positions. After playing at position four, I went to position five. After 1996 I assumed position number six. We let Mahela, Sangakkara, Dlshan play in middle positions and developed these players. Aravinda came down on the line to develop another player. Accomplished players of today didn't do that. I am sorry about that. I am not blaming the players.  The selection committee should know to think of future victories just as much as they think of today's victory. The selection committee didn't face such a situation like that throughout the past period. Because of that, the game of cricket falls apart. This game of cricket faces that situation after the World Cup. Distinguished players will enter into record books and go home. The present day players don't have a specific stand as such. We of course gave a stability to young players. Those players had their mind equipped to play anywhere. However much our young players are competent, they are playing as if their bodies are tied down. The Cricket Board and the selection committee should hold themselves responsible.

Angelo Matthews is someone whom I respect a lot as a captain. Has a good future. But when these three outstanding players go on pension, Angelo Matthews could even become a better captain than he is now. But if the mind of the young players are not moulded and also cultivated faith in them, they can never be developed. Must go with a vision. If I have such an opportunity, some new players who come should be given plenty of time. We'll lose matches .... that should be borne patiently. If the mentality of these players are structured after an year or two, and if politics doesn't creep into it, if unwanted people don't come into it; we can develop this game.

I am a person who has been to other countries. There are no players anywhere around the world who are so skillful by birth. I am still thinking whether I am to come as the chairman of the Cricket Board. I could come and do some work. If I am to go to the Cricket Board .... I should be there for about five or six hours for a day .... if that is to stop frauds .... now I find it difficult to spare the time. I'll take a decision within two weeks.