India Packs off Lankans in style

By Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal

India finally did to Sri Lankans what it always wanted to. After clinching most of the matches inclui8dng ODIs played with Sri Lankans, India eventually punished them in the capital for what reason is not yet clear, though. Lankans, who could have lost to India even the last ODI as they were ready for that, were badly hit by Indian balls and packed off to Colombo. A dangerous pitch, specially made ready for the purpose, has caused the final one-day international between India and Sri Lanka to be abandoned. India won the toss and decided not bat first- but India always fights for the toss win only to bat first. It appears Indian team was briefed about the bad pitch meant only for Lankan guests and hence Indians skipped batting first. Cleaver guys!

Sent in to bat first after losing the toss on 27 DecSunday, Sri Lanka was 83-5 in 23.3 overs when a delivery from India's rookie paceman Tyagi rose dangerously and flew past the face of batsman Kandamby. Players left the field after Sri Lanka captain and Lankan "matchfixer" Kumar Sankakara complained to match referee Alan Hurst and onfield umpires. Discussions continued for over an hour between match officials and local organizers outside the boundary as spectators shouted slogans against the organizers. Police began clearing the stands before the official announcement of abandonment was made.

With some Indian umpires now cricket world is set for a quick fix crash. Officials were trying to tell the batsmen to use another pitch on the ground and to résumé the play to entertain Delhiites, but they refused their special request and match was abandoned finally. Sankakara might be an unhappy man, because he would now get less extra cash from India capitalists for his special services to India. Meanwhile it appears Lankan government is considering punitive measures against Lanka cricketers, especially Sankakara, for underplaying in India.  

Leave alone match-fixing strategies for now. Now it is pitch-fixing to terrorize the guests in sports. Only Indians know how to deal with other match fixers properly in a fitting manner. Lankans now will remember this, if they know what has really happened in Delhi. Well done, India!