Mahinda bats for Sanath as best choice to head cricket selectors

Tuesday, 29 January 2013 01:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday described Sanath Jayasuriya as the best choice to head the selection committee of Sri Lanka Cricket and denied the move signalled politicisation of the country’s favourite game.

“If Mervin Silva was appointed then criticism of politicization can be true,” quipped President Rajapaksa who was in a jovial mood when questions over the selection of Jayasuriya were raised during an interaction with editors last night at Temple Trees.

“Jayasuriya is essentially a world famous cricketer. He is a valuable brand. His being a politician is secondary. Appointing someone who knows cricket and for that matter someone like Jayasuriya is the best for the game. I would say even a person like Arjuna Ranatunga is also suitable irrespective of politics,” the President added.

Rajapaksa also expressed confidence that Sanath would do a good job as head of selectors and ensure Sri Lanka wins matches. “If not he will not be able to be victorious in politics either,” he said.