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Time is ripe for changes following World Cup humiliation

SOUTHAMPTON, Tuesday - To get knocked out in the first round of the World Cup was the ultimate humiliation for defending champions Sri Lanka. It has marked an end of an era and the time is opportune for a new one to begin.

The mini World Cup in Dhaka last October sent out the danger signals the world champions were on the decline. But no one took them seriously. It was thought the team was going through a lean period. But performances continued to suffer in Sharjah, Australia and India, but still the changes were not forthcoming. The argument was it was not the right time to make radical changes before the World Cup. Good enough.

Now everyone has seen how the world champions performed in the World Cup. It was a far cry from what they were three years ago. At least now, some sanity should prevail and changes made to prevent our cricket from going further down the precipice.

The alarm bells are ringing and its time the Cricket Board and the selectors woke from the deep slumber to rebuild the national team for the future.

The Augean stables will have to be cleaned and fresh blood injected into the team. Such radical changes took place after the 1987 World Cup when Sri Lanka went winless. The time is ripe to make a similar change and install a new captain.

To persist with the senior cricketers whose contributions on the field are not what they used to be some time ago, is to invite frustration among the many youths who are knocking on the door for recognition. These youths may not be of the same class and standard of those whom they may replace. That is because they have not been given the necessary exposure. But given the opportunity and the time they are bound to come good.

Arjuna Ranatunga's contribution to Sri Lanka cricket is immense. But having been at the helm for over a decade it would be advisable if he stepped down honourably before he is shown the door. Such a dismissal he does not deserve. For some time, Sri Lanka cricket could do without Ranatunga. He is getting flak from all corners because he has been hanging on to the job for too long. How many other aspiring cricketers would dearly love to lead their country. Don't they too deserve that honour?

Ranatunga has had his glory days winning the World Cup for his country in 1996 and then lapping up all the accolades and financial benefits that followed. He has guided Sri Lanka cricket to its pinnacle. But now is the time for him to step down and let a younger man take on the mantle.

Ranatunga can contribute to Sri Lankan cricket immensely. But for the time being he should be out of the limelight. To continue regardless would be to invite the wrath of those who have supported him over the years.

The cricket administrators down the years have made Ranatunga a prima donna of Sri Lanka cricket, that the national selectors find themselves in a situation where they don't have the guts to ask him and a few other senior players to quit or for that matter drop them, fearing a national outcry.

The public is not uneducated and foolish to believe Ranatunga is still the right man for the job. The selectors must act first to see the reaction if the once loved pin-up boy of Sri Lanka is continued to be loved by the public.

The Sri Lankans love their cricket. In fact they will go to any lengths to protect the image of the once world champions. The only way it could be achieved is by acting now. It is already a little too late but then it's better late than never.

Otherwise, the bandwagon will role on plunging the country's cricket into further disaster.

Arjuna should bow out gracefully