Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Scintillat­ing Sanga scores sixes

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The news that soon Kumar Sangakkara will occupy the hot seat as the President of the Marylebone Cricket Club for the year 2019 to 2020 is indeed gladdening news for the cricket loving public of our Paradise Isle.

That a two hundred and thirty two year- old club thought it fit to nominate a non- Britisher for the first time in its recorded history is a great and unique honour not only to the legendary cricketer, but also to his alma mater, Trinity College, not forgetting, of course, the country which nourished and nurtured his skills and talents to bloom in all their splendour.

This honour, another feather in his studded cap, comes a few years after his eloquence at the “Spirit of CricketCow­drey” lecture at Lord’s in 2011. His classic strokes around the wicket have mesmerised spectators in every part of the cricketing globe.

His spoken words held the audience spellbound. His polished diction and finesse received right royal applause from the appreciati­ve gathering. He minced no words in calling a spade a spade, with malice towards none, but charity towards all.

His genial, genteel manners have stood tall. He always played a straight bat and walked and talked straight, earning much praise and encomiums for his fine exploits in all the formats of cricket.

Indeed, an icon in every respect, and an illustriou­s son of Mother Lanka. May I say a jewel in the crown of Lanka. A shining example to learn great lessons for the indiscipli­ne lawmakers and the reckless younger generation in our midst.

We, who have been his fans and the sporting public wish him the very best in his stewardshi­p of the MCC and in all his future endeavours.

Azhar Dawood

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