Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1064 Wed. May 30, 2007  
   
Sports


Vaas's eyes on 2011 World Cup


Sri Lanka's most experienced opening bowler says he has no plans to retire until the next Cricket World Cup.

Chaminda Vaas, who was a member of the 1996 team that won the World Cup believes he might be able to play in 2011 World Cup, to be played in the sub-continent.

"2011, I think I will be able to play but everything depend upon my fitness," the veteran new-ball bowler told BBC Sandeshaya.

Other two veterans who played in 1996 World Cup, Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralidaran, have also ruled out seting deadlines to retire from the game.

"I am maintaining a good fitness at the moment and I'd rather focus on year by year than a long period", Vaas said.

"However, I think I will be able to play in 2011, if I maintain my current level of fitness".

Vass is currently playing with Middlesex County in England where he sustained a head injury last week.

"Courtney Walsh and Ambrose for example, played until they were 38," he said commenting on the former West Indies' giants.

Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas, who was briefly appointed as Sri Lanka's vice captain replacing Mahela Jayawardene, says he has no regrets whatsoever in his 13-year long career.

The veteran bowler with 313 Test victims and 383 ODI wickets for his name, says he has achieved what many other fast bowlers in the subcontinent did not manage.

"My record as a subcontinent bowler speaks for itself. I think I have achieved a lot in my cricketing career for which I am very proud of," he told bbcsinhala.com.

Becoming only the second fast bowler, after Imran Khan, to take 14 wickets in a match in the subcontinent taking the first-ever ODI eight-for, against Zimbabwe are among his many achievements.

His achievements though are being overshadowed due to the presence of Muttiah Muralidaran, arguably the best bowler Sri Lanka has ever produced.

Vaas, who wanted to be a Catholic priest before becoming a cricketing hero, is philosophical on his ups and downs in the field.

"I have no regrets whatsoever".