• Money-minded contractors calling the shots

An investigation by The Daily Morning Sports, revealed that two promising school cricketers, had been sent to the ongoing lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL), as net bowlers, without requisite approval from the schools concerned.

The two upcoming star players from leading schools of the country have thus been packed off to the IPL – the world’s most popular domestic T-20 tournament.

It is said that the individual, who has undertaken the contract, to send these two cricketers to the IPL, is also currently functioning as the Manager of several national and Under-19 players, while being gainfully employed at a leading private bank here.

Following inquiries, it has come to light, one of the players, has been sent to Delhi Capitals while the other, has joined the Chennai Super Kings, as net bowlers, due to the involvement of the contractor behind it.

When contacted, a source from the school the boys are attending, who declined to be named, confirmed that one of its players, had taken off to India, sans the mandatory approval from the school authorities.

The source added that they were still not certain, whether the player concerned had returned to the country, but added that once he returns to the school, they will initiate an inquiry over the incident.

The source however added that its player has not officially left the school thus far and therefore they intend to launch an inquiry into the incident.

As the source alleged, it is also the responsibility of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), to ensure that money-minded contractors are not able to poach young cricketers with potential for their personal gain, which in turn could irreparably damage their budding careers.  

Meanwhile, efforts were made to contact the principal of  the other leading outstation school, seeking his views connected to the incident involving its player, did not bear fruit, as he declined to comment over the phone.

“Please come to the school, to talk about it, as we have a policy, where we do not comment on such incidents to the media, via the phone,” was how he responded

School cricket analysts reckon that it may be beneficial for young school cricketers to gain experience by being involved in a tournament such as the IPL, even as net bowlers. But, they warn, it will cause much damage to the image of schools and the careers of players, if the process is allowed to be controlled by money-driven contractors.