by Rex Clementine

The cricketing fraternity is mourning the loss of Mr. Neil Perera, a trailblazer who reshaped the sport’s landscape. His final innings will conclude on Sunday at Borella, marking the end of a remarkable 95-year journey that earned him the respect and admiration of the cricketing world.

Mr. Perera first took guard as Secretary of the Cricket Board in 1972 under the stewardship of Robert Senanayake. Over the next three decades, he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), donning various hats, including Vice-President and Team Manager apart from Secretary.

“He was at the helm as Manager when we clinched our first Test win overseas,” recalled former Test captain Arjuna Ranatunga. “A thorough gentleman with cricket running through his veins, he often dug deep into his own pocket to support the game. Despite his humility, he could be firm when the situation demanded. The game will sorely miss him,” Ranatunga added.

A visionary with an eye for the big picture, Mr. Perera was instrumental in orchestrating Asia’s joint bid to host the 1996 Cricket World Cup. In 1993, he floated the idea to then SLC President Tyronne Fernando, who swiftly escalated the proposal to President Ranasinghe Premadasa. With the President’s blessing, the groundwork was laid, and the dream seemed within reach.

However, just as the ICC meeting to decide the host nation approached, the tide turned. Nelson Mandela, fresh out of prison and riding the wave of global admiration, had successfully secured South Africa the hosting rights for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. He sought President Premadasa’s support to bring the Cricket World Cup to his nation. As a result, Mr. Perera was handed fresh instructions – Sri Lanka was to back South Africa’s bid.

But cricket, much like life, is unpredictable. When South Africa couldn’t muster enough support and pulled out of the race, Colombo gave Mr. Perera the green light to chase Asia’s dream once more. There was, however, one major hurdle – India and Pakistan, fierce rivals on and off the field, were at loggerheads with separate bids.

Displaying the finesse of a skilled batsman navigating a tricky pitch, Mr. Perera brought the warring parties to the same table. A unified Asian bid was submitted, momentum gathered, and in a historic moment, the ICC awarded the 1996 World Cup to the Asian bloc, with subsequent editions going to England and South Africa. It was a masterstroke that placed South Asia firmly on the cricketing map.

Yet, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and the very next year, Mr. Perera was clean-bowled in the Cricket Board elections. However, Indian cricket supremo Jagmohan Dalmiya, who later became the first Asian to preside over the ICC, acknowledged Mr. Perera’s crucial role. As a gesture of gratitude, he extended an all-expenses-paid invitation to witness the semi-finals and finals of the 1996 World Cup.

Dalmiya later wrote, “If not for Neil Perera’s timely intervention, the World Cup wouldn’t have come to Asia.” One can only wish for a Mr. Perera in today’s climate, someone capable of uniting Indian and Pakistani cricketing interests once again.

A stalwart of Panadura Sports Club, Mr. Perera was a loyal member of the club for 77 years, both as a player and administrator. His keen eye for talent unearthed fast bowler Ravindra Pushpakumara, who was fast-tracked to the MRF Pace Academy in India under the legendary Dennis Lillee’s watchful eyes. However, a freak swimming pool injury cut his training short.

Not one to give up easily, Mr. Perera made a strong appeal to then BCCI Secretary Jaywant Lele for a second chance, and the request was granted. Pushpakumara went on to serve Sri Lanka with distinction, thanks to Mr. Perera’s persistence and belief.

Even in his twilight years, Mr. Perera never lost his love for the game. A regular fixture in front of his television, he kept pace with the modern evolutions of cricket. Unlike many traditionalists who frown upon the fast-paced T20 and T10 formats, he welcomed change, acknowledging that cricket must evolve with the times to stay relevant.

Cricket has lost a true servant of the game, a man who selflessly dedicated his life to the sport he adored. As he takes his final walk back to the pavilion, may he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.