With the re-election of the incumbent committee of Sri Lanka Cricket headed by President Shammi Silva, they appointed a new Cricket Tournament Committee Chairman, Samantha Dodanwela who is confident that he will succeed in achieving all that he has planned for the improvement of cricket, which includes introducing a new tournament structure with the support of the Cricket Committee headed by Aravinda de Silva and Technical Committee chairman Tom Moody along with the blessings of the Exco. The re-introduction of several tournaments are also in his vision which was sidelined due to various reasons.
By and large, he hopes that Sri Lanka will have a placid domestic cricket structure which will be in place forever to produce and unearth the hidden talents to represent the national side.
Dodanwela is a former Trinitian who represented college from junior cricket and played in the first XI team from 1988 to 1990. He later joined SSC and went on to play for them as a fast bowler from 1991 to 1998. He holds a record of claiming 55 wickets in eight matches for his club. While he was playing there he was selected to the 1996 National cricket pool. After quitting as a player, he served as a Cricket Committee member of his club from 2000 to 2020 where from 2011 to 2020 served them as the chairman. He was replaced by Mahela Jayawardena. Under his tenure as Chairman SSC was instrumental in annexing several championships which were on offer. At present he is the Managing Director of Mercantile Produce Brokers (pvt) limited.
Excerpts of an interview with Samantha Dodanwela:
- What have you to say about your new appointment as the Tournament Committee Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket?
It’s a challenging position. However, I have held this position before, during the Interim period in 2018, where I was appointed as the Chairman by then Sports Minister, Faiszer Musthapha
- We know that there are various issues in domestic tournaments, how are you going to resolve these?
All these issues could be resolved amicably and I’m sure the stakeholders will support me and my committee on the decisions that we take, for the betterment of Sri Lanka Cricket.
- We know that Cricket Committee Chairman Aravinda de Silva and Technical Committee chairman Tom Moody are drafting a new structure to run the tournaments. What is this? Are you happy with it?
The structure put up by Aravinda, Tom and their committees is somewhat similar to what my team and I are also proposing and I don’t see a drastic change to the existing structure. However, there were a couple of concerns on some suggestions, which we have discussed and sorted out for the improvement of Sri Lanka Cricket.
I have had meetings with Aravinda and Tom and I’m happy to say that our thinking is somewhat similar and we’re on the same wavelength where our ideas are concerned.
- We know that you served as the Chairman of the SSC cricket committee for quite some time. But this is going to be an entirely different task. How are you going to take it up?
As the Chairman of SSC Cricket, my task was to ensure the smooth running of the cricket affairs of the club and to ensure, not only to win Championships but also to produce quality cricketers who would go on to represent the country, which as a club we have achieved during the past. I was also responsible for financial accountability and was only answerable to the EXCO and members of SSC.
But as the tournament committee Chairman of SLC, I have a bigger responsibility on my shoulders and that is to ensure that the tournament structure is in place in order to see the competition is improved amongst the domestic clubs in order to produce Cricketers to compete internationally. Accordingly, I’m also responsible for the entire membership of SLC. I believe as long as we fulfill our responsibilities as a team with clear conscience, we will be able to achieve what is expected by the stakeholders by way of improvement.
- What are your immediate plans and how are you going to execute it?
Our immediate plans are to put the tournament structure in place . This is also being discussed with the technical committee. We intend to reduce the number of 1st class teams to a maximum of 18 – 20 within the next few years and re-introduce the under 23 club tournament to accommodate school leavers/budding cricketers to display their talents. The plans were to commence the club tournament in July, but it will be postponed due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
- It has been the common thinking among the cricket stakeholders that our tournament structure is not conducive for us. What is your opinion?
I do not agree totally on that statement, but there has to be some changes to the structure for sure, which is being discussed.
- How is the support for you from your ExCo to perform the task?
Fullest support and cooperation is extended to me by all ExCo members in performing my task and to implement the changes.
- Do you have any plans to run tournaments in all three divisions?
Yes, at premier level all 3 formats will be conducted at club level. LPL will happen as scheduled. Once the club tournament is over the National Super League will take place.
- In conclusion, what are your overall plans for the development of the game?
To ensure premier clubs with 1st Class status are reduced to a maximum of 18 teams and to create more competition amongst the clubs for the betterment of future cricket and to produce cricketers who could perform at international level. Once the club tournament is over, to cluster the clubs into 5 different provinces and conduct a National Super League to select players to represent the country. Also to ensure that all clubs who have 1st Class status be able to full-fill the criteria which will be laid down by Sri Lanka Cricket. Sri Lanka Cricket to organize more ‘A’ team tours and under 19 international tours, as most of the tours, which were planned, did not take place due to the pandemic. As requested by the President SLC, the domestic player contracts will be renewed after discussion with the technical committee and to ensure that the players are awarded a decent remuneration package considering their performances.
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