Retiring cricketer Prasad has a telling message for holier-than-thou officials | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

Retiring cricketer Prasad has a telling message for holier-than-thou officials

21 February, 2021
Dhammika Prasad
Dhammika Prasad

Retiring Sri Lankan fast bowler Dhammika Prasad may not have been the most wanted cricketer in the team, but he was some kind of a character unlike any other to wear the Lion emblem shirt with honour and play his part to go home and tell his friends far more interesting stuff than the media can relate.

Prasad, a humble product from De Mazenod College in Kandana who played 25 Tests and 24 ODIs, did not have a swashbuckling farewell but many reporters regretted they were not there to hear him say what will embarrass men who think they are infallible in their actions.

“Very early in my career I realized the role of the media. I have never had any incident with any reporter throughout my playing career. I have always respected the media. They have praised me when I do well and critised me when I fail’, he told a small band of journalists at a farewell at his Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) on Thursday.

Nicknamed Tom Jones by some reporters because of his hair and not singing, Prasad was one of the few Sri Lankan cricketers that a captain would have wanted for his “I’ll kill for my team” attitude.

“Prasad was the kind of bowler who would come up and ask for the old ball with the batsman on 150 and a few overs left for the day”, recalled his former captain Marvan Atapattu who graced Prasad’s farewell at age 38.

In person Prasad was one of the nicest human beings ever to grace the world’s playing fields and few people knew about it.

Even during his high profile playing days he would step into a small shop and chat with anyone who recognized him or even go further and raise a glass with a commoner.

If that did not please him he would go around like the most ordinary person in the world inquiring about the welfare of people and even organize their welfare.

The kids would be the first to recognize him.

He was their role model and Prasad proved he does not have to be a huge grandiose celebrity to touch the lives of people or make them turn their heads.

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