Sanath Jayasuriya said he felt honoured to have been sold for over a million dollars and has promised to work for the Mumbai team the way he has tried to help Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan explains how his sincerity towards cricket has seen him outpace others in the unique IPL bidding
SYDNEY: Sanath Jayasuriya is eagerly looking forward to playing in the Indian Premiere League. Speaking to DNA, the veteran Sri Lankan batsman said he felt honoured to have been sold for over a million dollars and has promised to work for the Mumbai team the way he has tried to help Sri Lanka.
“I know my cost is big news. But I know the price has come owing to my contribution to the national team over the years. Now, it is my responsibility to ensure that the Mumbai team benefits worthily for the money they are spending
on me.”
Jayasuriya said he was not surprised at the low price some Australian cricketers attracted despite having a higher base money than some Indians and Sri Lankans.
“It is a different thing in our part of the world. The Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans are more popular than the Australians in the sub-continent. So I’m not surprised at all,” he said.
The veteran batsman said he was happy to be playing along side Sachin Tendudlkar. “It’s a dream come true to be playing with Sachin. I always enjoyed playing against Sachin. But this time it will be a new experience. I’m looking forward to that.”
Jayasuriya would not say if the IPL has increased his hunger to stay on in the international cricket longer but admitted that he would like to prove his credentials in the shortest version of the game just as the way he tried to do in the Tests or ODIs.
“I don’t know how the IPL will shape out. I don’t know how the T20 will be received by the public. It is a different ball game altogether. Buy I must congratulate India for taking the initiative and showing to the world how well cricket can be marketed. Taking foreign players and giving them opportunity is a commendable
effort.”
Jayasuriya was not sure if Tests, ODIs and T20 can coexist or the latest format will overtake the longer versions. “It is too early to jump at any conclusion. But it is a good format and has tremendous entertainment value. Not just public, but also batsmen and bowlers enjoy the game. It is interesting but difficult and I think if marketed properly, all the three formats can easily co-exist.”
The former Lanka skipper, who has been out of form in the tri-series, would not say if he was worth the amount that was bid on him, but observed that his contribution to Sri Lankan cricket is the key factor.
“I’ve played for my country with all sincerity and dedication and I will do that in India too.” Jayasuriya, however, expressed disappointment after his side failed to reach the finals of the tri series.
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