Lions never bark

The Sri Lanka Cricket logo is the Lion, which appears on our National Flag with the utmost dignity. But now this Lion starts barking instead of it roaring. Cricket is the only popular game here for a couple of decades – a gift from the British colonial rulers. Now most of our cricketers are spending super luxury lives by making millions from every match they play. Internationally and locally all the players are newsmakers, heroes and dream princes of their fans.

Lasith Malinga is also a player who has created news for the media. But the recent incident by him has created a serious dent in the Sri Lanka cricket. Without the media they can never survive. When compared with our team which won the world cup in 1996, players are earning a thousand fold. As an example, in the eighties the well-known cricketer and captain Dulip Mendis owned only a motor bike with his name printed on it. But now Malinga owns turbo-powered motor cars and jeeps which are worth several millions while some of them are even known to change their wives from time to time.

They earn much more through advertisements super shows joined by popular stars. Whatever sports they participate in, sportsmen and sportswomen should respect the media first. Acting as blockheads in front of the media is like showing their nudity in public. When the senior players bow and keep their dignity in front of the media, Malinga’s behaviour is utterly nonsensical and shameful. He should admit his error and apologise in public if he is a gentleman who loves cricket and the country.