"Don't let another decide your future" -- Sangakkara

"Don't let another decide your future" -- Sangakkara

Sri Lanka's former topnotch batsman Kumar Sangakkara who was present as chief guest at the Schoolboy of the Year ceremony held at Colombo Nelum Pokuna theatre on 16th mentioned that it is not necessary to going behind coaches or administrators of the game if enough dedication is given when necessary. 

Sangakkara who went further said, "All of you are extra-special young players. Carving the future
ahead of you from here onwards is left to you. But what is necessary to achieve that are factors such as planning, working tirelessly, proper guidance and good training. In times when commitment is difficult, always believe in yourself. If you have dedicated yourself sufficiently and has gone on the right track; the skills and abilities within you to achieve your target is sufficient. For that purpose you need not make friends with coaches, umpires or stalwarts of the game. 

What reporters write good about you is not what is important -- dedicate yourself and maintain a proper plan. Show your prowess to the world. Then you will get an opportunity. But that is not an easy task. People of course expect a great deal from you. But your path is left to you. The map which you have to traverse the future is in your own hands. Don't let others dictate terms about your future".

Sangakkara who expressed further ideas said that the value of the players as much as skills in the game is equally important. "Remaining in the game of cricket depends on the value of the players and their comportment. Not only in the field, it should be seen even off the field. It depends on what sort of a person he is. Just as much as how brilliant on the field ... it is important how he takes it beyond the field. There are rules and ways in the game of cricket. Sometimes we talk about the biological value of the game. But rules and conditions in which we have to play may not function in the very manner exactly as we want. That is where the quality and internal values have to be instilled. 

It will be a guideline for you to make a correct decision for you to decide who you are. That is the most important thing. What is meant by that is not that you always win or lose. But more than facing challenges you have to take correct decisions. That then is the beauty of this game. For Sri Lanka, engaging in a game is something enjoyable. But don't hope that it will come just like that. Don't think that it is a right of yours. It is a privilege that you have to achieve. If some player gets the opportunity of representing Sri Lanka, he should throw in a lot of commitment if you are to play for a long period of time. 

Though a preference for the game of cricket goes up in the world, its dangers too begins to grow. What we often come to hear of uncalled for behaviour both on and off the field. Particularly of things such as betraying the game. But if at all someone happens to be a threat to you ... do not fear to take the right decision. Even if the whole world is against you ... taking the right decision is a factor which measures the person. If everything happens to your advantage, taking a decision is simple. But the world is not always not so simple. So always be courageous. Smile and face the future. If disasters come your way ... be a challenge to those. You can do anything ... depending on how much faith you have in it. 

Do not be dismayed for not getting an award at this award ceremony ... because neither I nor Rangana (Herath) have got awards at schoolboy cricketer of the year award ceremony". At this point Sangakkara did not forget to give his ideas about women cricket players. "I was actually elated to to find young female players here ... because women's cricket means that by now a game which is rapidly spreading and all the same quite popular as well. 

MCC (Marlebourne Cricket Club) believes that approximately a lakh of spectators will be present to watch the finals of the next  women's cricket world cup tournament. It would be a valuable message to a young girl involved in the game of cricket nowadays and for parents too. Cricket of course is a game which is popular right round the world. Therefore you have a bright future ahead of you".

- Oshitha Warakapitiya -