Reports: SLC Manager pushed the inclusion of Pushpkumara ahead of Sandakan

In a very unusual turn of events, some reports have surfaced the media that suggest the powerful influence of cricket manager in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). A few recent reports suggest that the SLC manager Asanka Gurusinha had pushed for the inclusion of Malinda Pushpkumara in the national side for the ongoing Test match against team India. Sri Lanka are hosting India for a three-match Test series.

In the second Test, Pushpkumara was named in the squad and was eventually a part of the playing eleven as well. As per the reports in the CricketAge, the Sri Lankan selectors wanted to include young promising spinner Lakshan Sandakan in the squad for the Test. However, it was Asanka Gurusinha, who forced the name of Malinda Pushpkumara to nose ahead of Sandakan in the list.

The reports further suggest that the move has left the top authorities absolutely unimpressed and miffed. The President of the SLC, Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala, is reportedly angry with such internal politics. Apparently, the President has already blasted Gurusinha this morning for the move.

Also, there have been talks about Gurusinha having an overpowering say in the team matters these days. He has been intervening in most of the decision making processes – be it the selections, or the practice sessions, or some other team matter. Asanka Gurusinha has refused to make a comment on the same.

In a state of turmoil

In the recent times, Sri Lanka cricket has been in a turmoil. Their former head coach, Graham Ford, had made an abrupt exit from the helm of the team after a poor show in the ICC Champions Trophy. It seems that his exit also had something to do with Asanka’s interferences. Recently, World Cup winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga had also suggested that the SLC politics has made him feel very disinterested in the Sri Lankan cricket.