Curing cricket

Thursday, 28 July 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CRICKET and corruption are becoming firm friends, if the present circumstances are to be believed. The latest issue revolves around the controversial Carlton Sports Network deal, with UNP members taking up the call to have the matter investigated.

Over the last few days, there have been reports of the grave unethical behaviour of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which is still struggling to stamp out corruption even with a new interim board at its head. The problem at the moment are the discrepancies of the Carlton Sports Network and the fact that it has been able to bid for, and if reports are correct, obtain the bid for broadcasting the upcoming Sri Lanka- Australia tour.

Given that most Sri Lankans are avid cricket fans and that the game has consistently united the nation, it is sickening to note how deep-rooted the corruption is. It is equally disappointing that despite repeated revelations of how this deal has been manipulated, no steps have been taken by the relevant authorities. The details regarding the registration and headquarters as well as the directors of the organisation point to patronage from the highest powers in the land. This could be one reason as to why they are allowed to operate with impunity.

Even though SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga has admitted that he was the Chief Executive of Carlton Sports Network, clearly contravening ICC rules, no action has been taken. Not only does giving the bid to a shady private organisation rob State media of revenue, it also results in millions of money being scammed from private advertisers. At the moment, media reports have indicated that the Carlton Sports Network does not even have the necessary infrastructure to assure countrywide coverage, but the very fact that its bid was considered by SLC is indicative of a strong inside pull.

This, on top of the Singapore, Somerset Entertainment Ventures deal and the World Cup fund debacle, shows the dirty side of political involvement in the game that is closest to the Sri Lankan heart. As fans stand by watching powerlessly, the game that has become a money-spinning machine because of the people’s love for it is being systematically stripped of its resources. It is almost as if the stirring speech made by former Captain Kumar Sangakkara has been forgotten by the people that it was most meant for.

Dealings of this nature not only make the game disreputable, it also decreases its lifespan. The masses love cricket because of its entertainment, its passion and its ability to give hope. Cricket has shown the height to which Sri Lanka can reach and the depths it can fall to thanks to bad governance and corrupt officials. Repeated offences have gone unaddressed and appointing new interim committees will be like changing pillows to cure a headache unless decisive steps are taken to stamp out politicisation and instil good governance and transparency.

It is also a symbol of what can happen to the rest of the country if appropriate steps are not taken to stem this disturbing trend.