Decline in Sri Lankan cricket, players’ pursuit of money saddens me: Spin ace Muttiah Muralitharan

Sri Lankan cricket has hit an all-time low and the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan blames it on the paucity of talent coupled with lack of passion among the current generation of cricketers for this steady decline.

Sri Lanka has been losing to most of the Test playing nations home and away in recent times. The game’s governing body International Cricket Council has launched an investigation on charges of corruption levelled against country’s cricketing establishment.

Sri Lankan cricket has not quite had a smooth transition since the retirement of legends such as Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. “I have not been associated with Sri Lankan cricket ever since I retired. The decline of Sri Lankan cricket saddens me, Muralitharan told reporters in Chennai.

“For a team that had reached the World Cup final three times and has a proud cricketing culture, it is a worrying sign,” he added.

Murali observed that standard of cricket has gone down since current crop is more focussed on material gains rather than working on improving their game.

“In my playing days, money wasn’t the criterion. In the 90s, there wasn’t much money. Our passion was to take wickets and score runs. That passion has changed a bit. If players are in pursuit of money, the standard of cricket goes down.

“As a player, you should think about your game and not so much the money because if you perform well, money and recognition will follow,” Muralitharan said.

Quality of talent is also a serious concern, a reflection of which is the performance of the national team over the past couple of years.

“Sri Lanka of late hasn’t produced enough talent. In the last three to four years, the talent is lacking. Even when the talent is spotted, they don’t know how to play. Coaches don’t make cricketers. Coaches can only tell you the basics. It then boils down to the effort of an individual and his desire to succeed,” the owner of 800 Test wickets said.

Asked if he would be interested in a role in Sri Lankan cricket, Murali answered in negative. “I don’t think I have the time to take on the job of a consultant or a mentor of Sri Lanka on a full-time basis. I am not interested in taking up any role as I am involved with IPL [Indian Premier League].

“After playing cricket at the highest level for two decades, I want to spend more time with my family and I have other commitments as well. I am ready to offer advice but not [game] for a hands-on involvement,” he added.

Kuldeep, Chahal’s performances will depend on conditions

Like everyone, Murali also lauded India’s wrist-spin duo Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have played a stellar role in limited-overs cricket in recent times. The 45-year-old, though, said conditions will play a major role during the World Cup in England.

“You have got two good wrist spinners in India right now and the Indian selectors are also confident of their ability based on their impressive performances,” Muralitharan said. “There are hardly any wrist spinners in other countries. The other countries can’t copy India.

“But how good Kuldeep and Chahal will be at the World Cup, will depend on the conditions. England pitches in June and July usually assists swing bowling,” he said.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor praised Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan saying that he was as good as a finished product even before he met him. “I didn’t mentor Rashid Khan. He is a different kind of bowler. He is quick and that’s why it’s easy to deceive batsmen in the shorter formats.”

However Rashid’s style of bowling may not have many takers in the Test arena. “It’s hard to replicate that in the longer format,” the spin legend added. “I do give him a few tips. We hardly get any time to interact in the nets during IPL because of the schedule. He will know what is the best for him and he was a champion bowler even before I met him. So he knows how to perform.”