More and more cricketers, unlike some cowardly ex-administrators, are breaking their silence and pouring their hearts out calling for change at the corruption tainted establishment.
This time it is Ajantha Mendis who recalled he had many a raw deal during his days of recovery from injury and was forced to give up hopes of a comeback since he last played for Sri Lanka in 2015.
Mendis made world history when he became the first debut-making bowler to take 25 or more wickets (26) in a three-Test series that came against India in 2008 and in that same year had best figures of 6 for 13 in the final of the Asia Cup in Lahore, Pakistan against the same opposition.
“The high performance centre at Khettarama (Premadas stadium) was declared out of bounds to me. I was told the equipment was not for players who have been out because of injury.
“I could not even enter the room of the physiotherapist. There were restrictions and regulations imposed that had no meaning and I got no answers. Since 2015 I have not stepped into the venue at Khettarama”, said Mendis in an interview with a local television channel.
Unassuming in nature during his playing days having hailed from a relatively obscure school in Moratuwa, St. Anthony’s College, Mendis came down hard on what he branded a system that only created negativity.
“There is a huge drawback in the system (at Sri Lanka Cricket) that made it very difficult for retired players like Chaminda Vaas to offer his services and the only solution that I can see if for past greats to come together and put this right.
“There has to be a proper administration, Selection committee and a coaching staff to take this forward. There will come a time when all this will be beyond redemption,” Mendis warned.
