by Rex Clementine
Sri Lanka Cricket is tightening the screws on fitness and discipline, with random alcohol and drug tests among several measures aimed at raising standards among contracted players.
Former Sri Lanka great Sidath Wettimuny said the measures, introduced in consultation with Head Coach Gary Kirsten, would address concerns over team culture and instil the professional habits needed to compete at the highest level.
Wettimuny heads SLC’s Cricket Committee, which also includes former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Roshan Mahanama. All three set demanding standards during their playing careers and are now seeking to ensure the present generation follows suit.
“Discipline, integrity, lifestyle and fitness are key aspects when you are a top sportsman. We will conduct skinfold tests every week. We understand that smoking and alcohol have been a bit of a problem within the team, and there will be random tests conducted,” Wettimuny told reporters.
“According to Gary, food intake has been an issue as well. The coach has written to the hotel where they are staying in Pakistan, specifying what players can and cannot eat,” he added.
Wettimuny stressed that rebuilding Sri Lanka’s fortunes would require patience and sustained preparation, pointing to the groundwork laid before the country’s finest cricketing hour.
“Everyone remembers that we won the World Cup in 1996, but what people don’t know is that we set out on that journey in 1994. Success didn’t happen overnight. We want to gradually prepare a team good enough to compete with the rest of the world,” he said.
Mahanama, who also attended the briefing, echoed concerns that some players viewed representing Sri Lanka as a stepping stone to the lucrative franchise circuit.
Under the new measures, players will be permitted to compete in only three franchise leagues, including the Lanka Premier League. They will also be required to return home at least ten days before an international commitment to prepare with the national side.
Outlining the committee’s short term goals, Mahanama identified a strong showing at next year’s World Cup in South Africa as a priority. Preparations will be rigorous, with monthly reviews to assess whether the team is meeting its targets.
He said considerable emphasis was also being placed on next year’s Women’s Champions Trophy in India and the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s women have made encouraging strides in recent months, and Mahanama said they would receive strong backing to build on that progress and fulfil their potential.
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