COLOMBO, 28 September – The “Little Champion” Sachin Tendulkar would like to go back to opening the innings for India if he were given the option to choose. “I have adjusted to batting at No. 4 in both Tests and one-dayers but if I am given a chance I would like to open again,” Tendulkar said at an impromptu news conference at the Taj Samudra Hotel here. He said marriage has helped him in his cricket. “When you are away for long periods, marriage gives you peace of mind and you can concentrate on the game,” said Tendulkar whose wife Anjali is a doctor and they have daughter Sarah and son Arjun. Tendulkar also praised coach John Wright who has done wonders with the team. “Initially people were apprehensive but Wright has done a lot with the team ever since he took over,” Tendulkar added.
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Tickets in black market
THERE was such a big demand for tickets for the second semifinal between Sri Lanka and Australia that tickets were being sold in the black market. The match was sold out a week earlier with the cheapest ticket priced at 30 rupees (just over a riyal) and the more expensive ones at 300 rupees and 500 rupees. According to a report, the higher priced tickets were being offered at between 3,000 and 4,000 rupees. In fact, the demand was so great that counterfeiters jumped into the business as newspaper reports cautioned the fans to be careful when they bought tickets from nonofficial sources because these could be counterfeited. Long queues were formed over two hours before the match started yesterday. Mounted police were present to prevent any untoward incident taking place. Fans carrying the Sri Lankan national flags, some with their faces painted in the national colors, others carrying drums and cymbals waited patiently for their turn to enter the stadium. Bags were being frisked by the police but people were allowed to carry their bags in after they were checked.
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Boost for tourism
CRICKET has played a big role in boosting tourism in Sri Lanka. The ICC Champions Trophy not only brought hundreds of players from all over the world, there were also armies of mediamen covering the event for the participating countries. Also, there were thousands of fans who came along to support their respective teams. This resulted in foreign exchange earnings and occupancy at hotels rose. The peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam also helped as the visitors became aware that there was no longer any danger of bomb blasts and suicide bombers. The biggest compliment to the Sri Lankan security forces was paid by Australian captain Ricky Ponting the other day. When asked how he felt about the security situation in the country, he replied: “Oh it is absolutely fantastic. We have been moving around freely without and fear. We have gone along shopping and have had generally a good time. It is just great.” With the SriLankan Airlines having a good reputation for service, they will surely help in attracting more tourists to the country. For the Middle East and Saudi tourists, Sri Lanka can be promoted as a very attractive destination as many of them now avoid going to the West. Fayaz Thaha, the SriLankan country manager for Saudi Arabia and his team of dedicated personnel have been doing a good job and can help boost tourism.
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Vishy junior an allrounder
GUNDAPPA VISHWANATH was a gentleman cricketer who played the game of cricket in its true spirit. He is here as one of the match referees. He met me with great warmth and immediately recognized me though he was seeing after more than 15 years. I was surprised because some fellow-journalists who knew me well back in India had to be told who I was and they shook their heads before shaking hands. But I could not blame them. I have lost 25 kgs in the last three years and look much different now than I did a decade ago. Anyway, to come back to dear old Vishy, as affable a man as they come. He is here with his family – wife Kavita (Gavaskar’s sister) and son Davik. They were with him when I met Vishy at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Vishy got Davik photographed with the great Vivian Richards and requested veteran photographer Kamal Julka for a print. And Julka promised to deliver soon. I asked Davik if he played cricket and he said yes. When asked whether he batted or bowled he said: “I am an allrounder. I bowl full tosses.” On hearing this everyone around burst out in laughter.
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The wave makes an appearance
With the Australians struggling against the Sri Lankan spinners, the rate of scoring slowed down considerably. The crowd, getting bored at the slow and dull proceedings, started the wave. It was amazing how the wave will start at the far end and will continue as if masterminded by a band master. Another good feature of the matches here, is the chance given to school cricketers to show off their talent in front of the big crowd. At the end of the first innings, they come onto the field, dressed in green and yellow T-shirts and in four groups play matches with eight players in each side. This kind of exposure is sure to do them a world of good and will give them confidence to face bigger occasions.
