Monday 7th July 2008
Asia driving world cricket: Sanga
Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Kumara Sangakkara has said that Asia is the spiritual hub and the custodian of world cricket.
While the supremacy of BCCI in world cricket is a known fact these days, Sangakkara claimed that Asia leads international cricket as the financial center and custodian of the game which has pioneered unparalleled globalisation.
"Asia has transformed from minnows of world cricket to the true powerhouse of cricket and we are now the economic driving force behind the world cricket," he said.
The southpaw said that Asia was now the traditional home of the game.
"There is no doubt that Lord's in London has traditionally been accepted as traditional home of the game but, in my opinion, there has been a gradual shift with magnificent stadiums in Asia," he said.
"The ravages of tsunami being soothed by the panacea that is cricket and when I see this all I have to ask has Asia not now become the new spiritual home of world cricket? I think it has," Sangakkara added.
Pointing out the role of Asia in international cricket, he said Asia has produced world class players who have transformed the game and bamboozled the fans across the globe.
"Asia has produced teams that have impacted the game in profound ways and cricketers who have individually shaped the way cricket is played and introduced new skills in the game," he said.
He also said that with power the administrators now have, additional responsibility also comes in to ensure that cricket development happens with unprecedented growth. Sangakkara said that since successful cricketers in Asia are famous celebrities, they need to be role model for the young and endorse the spirit of the game at all times.
"Administrators have a responsibility for ensuring continuity and stability in our cricket development. They have a responsibility to ensure the game is run transparently," he said.
"Successful cricketers in Asia are celebrities, but we must make sure that we are more than just famous personalities. We need to be role models for the young. We must endeavor to uphold the Spirit of Cricket at all times, just like I believe we have done during this Asia Cup," Sanga added.
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