The argument that cricket and politics are separate was always dubious – not least given what a ‘national’ team represents. (See this, and also this and this).
It is exemplified by the return of Sanath Jayasuriya to the Sri Lanka’s cricket team.
Jayasuriya, a star Sri Lankan cricketer, is also a member of parliament representing the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
He was elected in Jan 2010 to represent his hometown, Matara. Until then, he’d been in the national team for eleven years, captain for four.
Jayasuriya returns to the Sri Lankan team this month, in time to play against England in a T20 match and five one day internationals, and two ODIs against Ireland and Scotland respectively. (see schedule here)
“I’m excited and very much looking forward to serve my country again,” Jayasuriya said on local radio earlier this month (see report here).
Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara, the stand-in captain is reported to have resigned the post following the World Cup because of the Sri Lankan government's role in team selection.
See also:
'Tamils’ plight must prick English consciences' (June 2010)
'Sports boycott crucial to ending apartheid' (April 2010)
Tamil boycott protests at Uxbridge, Cardiff, Lords and Southampton.
