shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > Ex cricketers are not talking at all Arjuna Ranatunga

‘Ex-cricketers are not talking at all’: Arjuna Ranatunga

Updated on: 16 September,2023 07:57 AM IST  |  Colombo
Debasish Datta | sports@mid-day.com

Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning captain Ranatunga slams former players for not speaking out against reserve day only for India-Pakistan match

‘Ex-cricketers are not talking at all’: Arjuna Ranatunga

Arjuna Ranatunga at his Colombo office

Arjuna Ranatunga has lost a tremendous amount of weight, to the point of being unrecognisable. However, he has not shed an inch of his straight-talking self. Sri Lanka’s 1996 ODI World Cup-winning captain was amazed at how a reserve day was granted for the second India v Pakistan game in the ongoing Asia Cup, but not for other games in this rain-ravaged tournament. Ranatunga, 59, was equally astounded over fellow former players across Asia choosing to zip their lips when it came to slamming perceived preferential treatment to the big-ticket fixture.


“The cricketers are not talking at all. Why was a reserve day only given for the India-Pakistan game? Only [former India fast bowler] Venkatesh Prasad spoke against this. I am not surprised though. I have been a controversial cricketer since birth, so I am not bothered about ICC [International Cricket Council] or SLC [Sri Lanka Cricket],” who he slammed for, “not thinking right and taking  progressive measures.” Ranatunga amassed 7,456 runs in 269 ODIs, averaging 35.84. In the 1996 World Cup, he scored 241 runs in six matches. 


Also Read: Cricket enthusiasts hold their breath for Team India in Asia Cup final


The left-handed batsman also expressed his thoughts on India’s World Cup squad. “Two spinners [Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel]… I won’t call them top-class. They are utility cricketers. Ravichandran Ashwin should have been in the team. In his absence, there will be a lot of pressure on Kuldeep Yadav. It looks like India are planning to play with three medium pacers; days have surely changed,” he said. Speaking about young Indian batsman Shubman Gill, Ranatunga said, “I like Gill since he plays with a straight bat even in  limited overs games.”

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK