Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan head coach Mickey Arthur wanted Chaminda Vaas as bowling coach for the West Indies tour.
He is believed to have made this request to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) two weeks ago, possibly after the untimely departure of David Saker.
However, according to Vaas’ close friend since the last six years Vimukthi Adithya, the former fast bowler was only hinted by the SLC three days prior to the team departure.
“Maybe the SLC were approaching others and could not have found the suitable candidate and then decided on Vaas”, Vimukthi Adithya, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said.
“Vaas was announced (as bowling coach) without giving him proper time to think, talk and to agree on decisions”,
Without disclosing the amount (which was less than what David Saker was getting), Adithya confirmed that Vaas had agreed to the offered amount.
“My friend (Vaas) only asked for an enhancement in the daily allowance. He was offered a daily allowance of USD 75 whereas Vaas only demanded USD 125 more”.
“For a coach who has to stay at the grounds with the players, run with them, train them, sweat all day long, and get blamed for poor performance it was a very fair request”.
“Vaas felt disrespected, his concerns were not heard, so he decided to hand over his resignation and leave the job”, the friend added. Vaas, when approached, did not wish to comment.
