![Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya interacting with youung players at Srinagar on Saturday. — Excelsior/Shakeel Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya interacting with youung players at Srinagar on Saturday. — Excelsior/Shakeel](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/page10-10.jpg)
Praises Kashmiri bats, say he has used them
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 8: Former Sri Lankan legend cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya today underlined the need for honing young talent to have more and more young cricketers coming out from the Valley.
Addressing a press conference here at the Doon International School in Srinagar, Jayasuriya said that education and the sporting set-up in India, as well as Kashmir, is exceptional and that there is a need for doing more in this direction to make a difference.
During his interaction with the media, Jayasuriya also rejected claims that playing too much cricket was making players burn out. He argued that playing time at the highest level is limited and that the players should make the most of it.
He added that physical condition is crucial since the best years would let a person compete in different T20 competitions, which is quickly changing the priorities for certain players.
“To choose three contenders now would be premature. Right now, all of the teams are playing excellent cricket,” he said on being questioned about the World Cup favourites.
When asked about Sri Lanka’s chances of qualifying for the main World Cup event, which requires qualifying matches, he responded, “We have to qualify first and I am confident.”
He voiced his support for T20 leagues around the world, claiming that the fast-paced cricket format has produced some talented players.
The former cricketer was extremely complimentary of the Kashmir willow bats at the time. “I have used Kashmiri bats, and they are in perfect condition. Individual players are incharge of it, to decide whether to use it or not,” he said.
The former Sri Lankan MP stated that he wants the media to emphasise positive elements of life in his nation while declining to answer political questions concerning India, Kashmir or Sri Lanka.
“There was a hard patch for my nation. The demonstrations continued for a while. People today seek a future. There aren’t any problems right now. We want Sri Lanka to be depicted favourably in the media and that you must do,” he added.