Dharmadasa defends Marsh sacking

Sri Lanka Cricket president Upali Dharmadasa on Friday defended the sacking of Australian coach Geoff Marsh and the selection of a new team captain, saying the changes would help usher in a new era of “cricketing excellence”. 

“Many seem to criticize Sri Lanka Cricket for the Changes we implemented by appointing a New Captain, Coach, Team Manager and the Selection Committee. We would like to assure the Cricket loving public here in Sri Lanka and to our numerous fans that support Sri Lanka Cricket globally that we will reap the benefits of these changes in the fullness of time,” he said in a statement. 

The sacking of Marsh on Wednesday - just three months into a two-year contract - was widely criticised, with former team skipper Arjuna Ranatunga calling the move “disgraceful” and “unprofessional”. 

Marsh was replaced by South African Graham Ford, who becomes Sri Lanka’s fourth coach since Australian Trevor Bayliss stepped aside after the World Cup final in April 2011. 

While voicing gratitude for Marsh’s efforts, Dharmadasa said it was time for Sri Lankan cricket to “move on”. 

The appointment of Ford was “based on the fact that he can cope with the demands a 21st Century coach has to cope with in the international arena”, the statement said. 

The change in coaches came two days after Tillakaratne Dilshan quit as team captain, to be replaced by former skipper Mahela Jayawardene. 

“This change will also help Dilshan to concentrate more on his game,” Dharmadasa said. 

“We strongly believe Dilshan’s contribution will be much more if he is relived of additional responsibility. This will help the teams overhaul performance.” 

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage last week named a four-member selection panel and gave them one year to put the team in order after the side lost Test and one-day series to England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.

“We are grateful to the government and the Honorable Minister of sports for helping Sri Lanka Cricket through stormy waters. We assure you the current crisis as defined by some, is only temporary, financially we will be stable shortly,” the country’s cricket chief added.