Atapattu intends to keep Cricket and Politics Separate

Sri Lanka’s first local head coach in 15 years, Marvan Atapattu declared that he intends to keep cricket and politics separate.

"Political interference or any other interference - my way of doing this would be to not let anything affect the players. I'll do my best to try and stay away from it” Atapattu said. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is one of the most politically influenced boards in international cricket. This is mainly due to the fact that according to Sri Lanka's sports laws, a representative from the Sports Minister has to agree and sign his name on the team roster before the squads are made official.

Atapattu also said “I don't think the board officials or selection committee will make any undue influences" He said he’s mainly focusing on the upcoming matches which will include a seven-match ODI series at home against England in November, a tour of New Zealand towards the end of December and the 2015 World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.

by Cassendra Doole