Former fast-bowler Graeme Labrooy has been appointed Sri Lanka’s chief selector. According to ESPNcricinfo, both Labrooy and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Thilanga Sumathipala have confirmed the news on Friday (September 15).
Sri Lanka’s previous selection committee, headed by former captain Sanath Jayasuriya, resigned in the aftermath of the disastrous series against India. The Islanders have been going through a torrid time this year where barring the two T20I series wins against South Africa and Australia; they did not enjoy much. The year began with whitewashes in Tests and ODIs at the hands of South Africa before they failed to win series at home against Bangladesh. It was followed by the group-stage exit in the Champions Trophy and a shocking ODI series defeat against Zimbabwe at home. Angelo Mathews had stepped down as captain in all the formats after the Zimbabwe series.
However, the appointment of new captains did not change Sri Lanka’s fortunes as they lost all the nine games (3 Tests, 5 ODIs, 1 T20I) against India. The series was marred by a protest by fans which compelled the Sanath Jayasuriya-led panel to resign just two months after being handed a six-month extension.
The onus will now be on Labrooy to select the team which can help Sri Lanka to return to winning ways. Labrooy confirmed he has agreed to take the post.
“I have given my consent to SLC,” Labrooy was quoted as saying by the news outlet. “We’ll go through the names and confirm the other selectors later.”
The report further claimed that SLC is yet not clear on whom to rope in the committee which they are supposed to announce on Monday (September 18).
Meanwhile, Labrooy is currently serving as an ICC match referee. As a result, there is a conflict of interest, and the former bowler is seeking clarification from the governing body on the next course of action. Labrooy represented Sri Lanka in 9 Tests, and 44 ODIs, picking up 27 and 45 wickets respectively.
The new selection committee’s first assignment will be to finalize the 15-man squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. The 25-man preliminary squad has been announced by the board earlier this month.