ICC observer Ranjan has no complaints

12/08/1998

INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Ranjan Madugalee from
Sri Lanka visited the eight venues for the Commonwealth Games yesterday,
and the initial vibes are that all is well.
"The International Cricket Council (ICC) sent me here to inspect all the
venues and report which, if any, are able to host one-day internationals.
That is all," he said.
Indian Cricket Board Control (BCCI) secretary Jaywant Lele had on Monday
said 22 cricketeers have been selected for the Games and Sahara Cup, but
they will wait for Ranjan's report before deciding on the Games squad.
An official from the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) had a different
story to tell.
"India are not willing to compete in the Commonwealth Games because the
Sahara Cup scheduled to be held in Canada is more lucrative. And since the
dates clash, they would rather sent their first team there.
"Right now they are only looking for excuses and Ranjan seems to be a
good scapegoat."
India play a five-match series with Pakistan for the Sahara Cup next
month.
Ranjan was not willing to comment on the conditions of the venues
because he has to submit his findings to the ICC first before making it
public but it is believed that he is impressed with three venues that can
host one-day internationals and will make such a recommendation to the
ICC.
(END)