Mr. Neil Perera – a legend beyond the boundary

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Neil Perera Sri Lanka Cricket Legend

The cricketing fraternity is in deep mourning as it bids farewell to the towering figure of Mr. Neil Perera, who passed away at the grand age of 95. His final innings will come to a close on Sunday at Borella, marking the end of a remarkable journey.

A stalwart who dedicated over three decades to Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Perera was instrumental in changing the very landscape of the game. Today, we pay tribute to a man who rendered yeoman service to cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will echo through the ages.

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An engineer by profession at the Ceylon Electricity Board, Mr. Perera’s love affair with cricket began in 1948 when he joined Panadura Sports Club, a relationship that lasted an astonishing 77 years. As the club’s Patron, his influence was profound. His administrative innings with Sri Lanka Cricket commenced in 1972, when he took guard as Secretary under the stewardship of Robert Senanayake. Over the years, he wore many hats – Vice President, Team Manager, and much more – proving to be a steady hand at the crease during the board’s most crucial moments.

Mr. Perera was managing Sri Lankan cricket teams well before the country earned Test status. Among his countless contributions, the historic 1995 tour to New Zealand stands out, where Sri Lanka clinched their first-ever overseas Test win – an achievement that remains etched in the annals of the nation’s cricketing folklore.

However, his magnum opus was bringing the 1996 Cricket World Cup to the subcontinent – an endeavour that required vision, diplomacy, and unwavering persistence. Like a batsman planning his innings with precision, he had been working behind the scenes long before the event was even on the cards. Together with then SLC President Tyronne Fernando, he sought the blessings of President Ranasinghe Premadasa to bid for the tournament. Premadasa initially offered his full backing, but as fate would have it, political winds shifted dramatically.

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At the time, Nelson Mandela was riding a wave of global goodwill after his release from prison and had successfully brought the 1995 Rugby World Cup to South Africa. Sensing an opportunity, Mandela personally requested Premadasa’s support for South Africa’s bid to host cricket’s showpiece event in 1996. Caught between a rock and a hard place, President Premadasa was forced to withdraw his commitment to Mr. Perera, leaving Sri Lanka’s hopes hanging by a thread.

Yet, as in cricket, when the chips are down, true champions rise. At the crucial ICC meeting, South Africa’s bid crumbled due to a lack of support, giving Mr. Perera and his team the opening they needed. However, the path to victory was not without obstacles. India and Pakistan were at loggerheads, each determined to stage the event independently, while England, ever eager, threw their hat into the ring as well.

Displaying the tactical nous of a seasoned captain, Mr. Perera brokered peace between the warring neighbours, convincing them that a united front was the only way forward. Eventually, a joint bid was submitted, gathering momentum like a well-paced innings. The ICC relented, awarding the tournament to Asia, with the promise that England would host in 1999 and South Africa in 2003—a masterstroke that secured cricket’s future in the region.

Unfortunately, Mr. Perera’s dreams of witnessing the World Cup in an official capacity were dashed when he lost the cricket board elections. But cricket, like life, has its poetic moments. Indian cricket supremo Jagmohan Dalmiya, recognizing Perera’s immense contributions, arranged an all-expenses-paid trip for him and his wife to witness the semi-final and the grand finale in Lahore. There, he watched Sri Lanka’s crowning glory as they lifted the coveted trophy – vindication for his tireless efforts and unwavering belief in the nation’s cricketing potential.

Beyond the boardroom battles and administrative triumphs, Mr. Perera was a champion of raw talent, particularly players from outstation areas who lacked opportunities. He had a soft spot for those from humble backgrounds and made it his mission to pave pathways for their success. One such beneficiary was Ravindra Pushpakumara, a fiery fast bowler from Panadura. Recognizing his potential, Mr. Perera pushed for a scholarship that sent Pushpakumara to India to train under legendary pacer Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Academy.

However an unfortunate swimming pool accident cut short Pushpakumara’s dream stint. But Mr. Perera, true to his indomitable spirit, wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. Using his contacts, he reached out to BCCI Secretary Jaywant Lele, a trusted friend, and secured a second chance for Pushpakumara. This time, the young pacer made the most of it, leaving a lasting impression on Lillee and returning home a refined bowler.

To Sri Lanka cricket, Mr. Neil Perera was a godsend, a guiding star whose visionary leadership steered the sport through uncharted waters. His contributions have left an indelible mark, shaping the destiny of the game in ways that will be felt for generations to come.

As we bid farewell to this titan of cricket administration, one thing is certain – his name will forever be etched in Sri Lanka’s cricketing hall of fame. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.