Sri Lanka Cricket lauds Marsh’s efforts

ICC agree to grant $9.4m to board for hosting this year’s World Twenty20.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) breathed a sigh of relief after the International Cricket Council agreed to a grant of $9.4 million as expenses to host the World Twenty20 this year in September.

Additionally, the SLC attempted damage control after it was criticised for its sacking of coach Geoff Marsh. SLC President Upali Dharmadasa lauded the efforts of Marsh two days after his dismissal in a press release issued by the board.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to him,” said Dharmadasa. “We realise it’s no easy task to take over and produce results overnight. [However,] SLC has to move on.” Marsh was replaced by Graham Ford after just three months on the job with the sacking being criticised for being ‘unprofessional’ by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga. The board also defended the appointment of Mahela Jayewardene as captain, saying the batsman was an able leader.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2012.