T20 cricket is getting very popular all over the world right now. Now we have reached the semifinal stage of the IPL. That tournament was a real success. Last year T20 world cup was held in South Africa and India won that tournament under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
Sri Lanka is yet to host an international T20 game here in Sri Lanka. Indians are touring this July/August but two teams are not playing any T20 game. Every country now play at least one T20 game, if not two before a one day series. I think Sri Lankan cricket authorities are missing a trick here.
India played the T20 world cup with a very young team resting players caliber of Sachin, Ganguly, Dravid and Zaheer. Captaincy was given to MS Dhoni for the first time. Before the tournament starts everyone thought this young Indian team does not have a chance. But they went on to win the tournament. Most significant thing is they unearthed many talented youngsters like Rohith Sharma, Gambir, Uththapa from this tournament and India realized Dhoni’s clever leadership qualities. Later odi captaincy was given permanently to Dhoni and he and his young brigade went on to beat Australia in the Common Wealth bank cup. Youngsters grabbed the chances with both hand and exposure they gained from playing in that tournament helped them to shape up their odi and test career.
In Sri Lanka, domestic cricket is not that much competitive when you compare with countries like Australia, England and South Africa. It’s very difficult for the players to come straight into International arena from domestic circuit. Counties like Australia, England are different. As an example take Shaun Marsh. He is yet to make appearance in Australian colors but he is playing like a matured cricketer in the IPL. I believe that is due to the high level of their domestic cricket.
So it’s important to give chances to youngsters early, to come to terms with international cricket. I believe T20 cricket can be used for that. We can rest players like Mahela, Sanath, Sanga, Vaas and Murali and give chances to youngsters. Whether you loose or not do not matter much in T20. Match exposure given to youngsters can be a real investment to the future.
My Sri Lankan T20 team is
- Upul Tharanga
- Mahela Udawattha
- Chamara Kapugedera
- Chamara Silva
- Thilina Kandamby
- Kaushal Silva (+)
- Farfees Maharoof (capt)
- Ajantha Mendis
- Lasith Malinga
- Dhammika Prased
- Nuwan Kulasekara
This fast and furious format of the game can attract lots of spectators as well. If they have a day night international T20 in Dambulla I am sure they will turn up in numbers. It’s also good for the financially troubled Sri Lankan cricket.
