The Hindu : Sport : `Game can be used to heal past wounds'

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Saturday, Jun 09, 2007
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`Game can be used to heal past wounds'

Special Correspondent

MAKING A POINT: The acting ICC president Ray Mali addressing the Asian Cricket Council seminar in Chennai. — Photo: R. Ragu

Chennai: Ray Mali, the newly appointed acting president of the International Cricket Council (ICC), spoke both about the struggle of the non-whites in South Africa during the days of apartheid and how Africa and Asia could jointly take the game closer to the people, while addressing a seminar of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) here on Friday. Mr. Mali is also the vice-chairman of the Afro-Asian Cricket Cooperation.

The acting ICC chief, dismissing claims that the blacks started playing cricket in South Africa only from the 1980s, said there were newspaper reports as early as in the 1885 on matches played by the non-whites. He revealed that in 1894 a team consisting mostly of coloured cricketers had defeated a side from England in Cape Town.

Mr. Mali welcomed diversity in cricket. "The more different we are, the better we are." Taking a dig at the traditionalists, he said, "We don't wear ties when we play cricket."

He added that in both Africa and Asia, "Cricket could be used to heal the wounds of the past."

Mr. Mali urged everyone to unite for a "common cause." He also stressed on long-term programmes. The ACC was not a pressure group but one that strove to expand the game, he noted.

Communication skills

Earlier, Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene shared his views on captaincy. He emphasised on transparency, particularly when there was so much scrutiny by the media. The celebrated Lankan captain also focussed on communication skills and the need for set guidelines for the players.

On the role of a coach, Jayawardene admitted there was a need for a third eye from outside to evaluate the players. He also hinted at too much cricket.

South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock felt the proposed free-hit off the delivery that followed a no-ball in the ODIs was too harsh on the bowlers. "The game is already loaded in favour of the batsmen. The bowlers are already being penalised, there is an extra run and an extra ball." He, however, welcomed the proposal of changing the ball after 35 overs.

Gaining popularity

Nasim Ashraf, chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, said Asia had taken the lead in bringing about innovations after the Kerry Packer days — whether suggesting neutral umpires and match referees or in promoting off-shore cricket." He said the game was increasingly gaining in popularity at the school level in China.

"The opportunities are limitless. About 80 per cent of cricket's revenue is generated from the sub-continent. This also brings with it responsibility," he observed. School and women's cricket should be developed, Mr. Ashraf noted.

Syed Ashraful Haq, CEO, ACC, shed light on the humane nature of the cricketers. He remembered Kumar Sangakkara's words to him during the Tsunami relief matches two years back — "Why should it take a tragedy to bring us all together."

N. Srinivasan, treasurer, BCCI, gave away the ACC awards. Significantly, China won the award for junior cricket development. Hong Kong topped in overall progress.

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