Features

The Spirit of Cricket and All That

Published

3 years ago

2023/07/16

by Dinesh Chelvathurai

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes, and cricketing controversies. From the beginning of time, Man has attempted to cheat death, but to no avail. According to Greek Mythology, Sisyphus cheated death twice but was punished by the Gods by having to roll a boulder up a hill in Hades. Avoiding death has been mythologized in culture, but science is no closer to helping humans live forever.

Taxes are yet another necessary evil. The recent scandal involving PWC shows the extent to which companies are willing to go to avoid or minimize taxes for themselves or their clients while large corporations pay tax advisors large sums of money to help structure themselves to be tax effective. If we accept that the fundamental principle of taxation is the obligation of individuals to contribute towards the cost of running a country, should we castigate large corporations for actively trying to reduce the taxes they pay? Are they violating the spirit of tax laws even though they are not breaking them?

This brings us to “Stumpgate” – the most recent in a long line of cricketing controversies – where Jonny Bairstow was stumped by a quick-thinking Alex Carey when he left his crease thinking that over had been called. England’s Coach Brendon McCullum was quick to criticize the action saying that it went against the Spirit of the Game. The same Brendon McCullum who ran out Muthiah Muralitharan when he left his crease to congratulate Kumar Sangakkara on reaching a century. Ben Stokes stated that he would have recalled the batsman if he was in the shoes of Australian skipper Pat Cummins. Would he have done so if the Ashes were on the line with Australia nine wickets down and needing one run to win? The incoming batsman Stuart Broad goaded Alex Carey by saying “You’ll forever be remembered for that” and that it was the worst thing he had seen in cricket. The very same Stuart Broad who will forever be remembered as the batsman who edged Agar to slip and chose not to walk when the umpire gave him not out.

Cricket has had more than its fair share of controversies.

Dr W.G. Grace, the Father of Cricket was notorious for cheating and often refused to leave the crease when dismissed because “people have come to see me bat”.

The Bodyline Series in 1932/33 threatened to derail diplomatic relations between England and Australia following the tactic devised by Douglas Jardine and England to combat the brilliance of Don Bradman by aiming at the body of the batsman with close in catching fielders on the leg side.

The Mankadding incident in 1947/48 was another such instance when the Spirit of the Game was called into question. Vinoo Mankad ran out Bill Brown at the non-striker’s end without warning him although he did warn the same batsman in a previous game on the same tour. Sir Don Bradman in his autobiography defended the actions of Mankad stating that he couldn’t understand why his sportsmanship was under question as the batsman was trying to gain an unfair advantage by straying outside his crease.

So how do these actions sit within the Laws and the Spirit of the Game?

As a preamble to the laws, The Spirit of the Game is meant to co-exist within the laws and should not be seen as being separate from the laws. Playing within the framework of two separate sets of rules – the spirit- related rules and the laws of the game – causes unnecessary complexities and players need to be clear as to what is permissible and what is not. The Laws of Cricket provide that framework and the Spirit of the Game should be seen as a Code of Conduct by which that framework is adhered to. In considering ethical dilemmas, players must consider their duty of responsibility to their various stakeholders such as their teammates, opponents, employers, fans, and the game itself. Perhaps, as the employer, the Cricketing Boards could clarify their stand and then support their players in some of the ethical gray areas to reduce the burden on the players who have to make split second decisions in the heat of battle.

MCC’s Preamble to the Laws states that the game should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The Spirit of the Game refers to the following tenets:

· Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.

· Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents, and the authority of the umpires.

By questioning the integrity of their opponents and also questioning the authority of the umpires, England did not act within the Spirit of the Game.

·Play hard and play fair.

Every team plays to win. The 11 players representing their country are expected to play hard and play fair. That is exactly what Alex Carey did, having noticed that Jonny Bairstow had a tendency to leave his crease. Similar to the financial wizards at large corporations who are paid to structure their affairs in the most tax effective manner and minimize taxes for their stakeholders, it is Alex Carey’s duty to his team and to his country to ensure that he takes every opportunity to dismiss a batsman within the laws of the game.

· Accept the umpire’s decision.

Mitchell Starc had his catch disallowed on the grounds that he did not have control over the ball when the ball touched the ground. This was met with disbelief by some experts but to the credit of the Australian team, they accepted the decision of the third umpire and moved forward. The same cannot be said of the action of England in accepting the Bairstow verdict.

· Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct and encourage others to do likewise.

· Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.

These two points reflect the area of greatest concern. By expressly voicing their displeasure at the decision, the England team ignited the fury of their supporters culminating in the abusive behaviour of some of the MCC members in the Long Room. The Australian players were specifically targeted, and it was a sad day for the game when the behaviour of some of the fans at Lords – the spiritual home of Cricket – sadly did not reflect the Spirit of the Game. It is also concerning that the England team instead of dousing the flames are actively encouraging the fans at Headingley to continue hostilities towards the Australians. Shades of Donald Trump goading his supporters to storm Capitol Hill to protest his defeat and to thwart the appointment of Joe Biden as President?

· Congratulate the opposition on their successes and enjoy those of your own team.

· Thank the officials and the opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.

Brendon McCullum’s comment that “I can’t imagine we’ll be having a beer with them any time soon” is both surprising and sad and goes against the last two tenets of the Spirit of the Game. Yes, the Spirit of the Game was violated in the second Test at Lords, but it was not Australia who were the violators.

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

11 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

11 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

11 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.