Muttiah Muralitharan

[Paoli]

Opinions have varied on him....

But this is for anything on Murali. News, Views, Discussion, Opinion and talking about anything about the world's greatest offie

[Maranello]

Good thread Paoli.

For me, its Murali's off-field status as Sri Lanka's national icon that is truly impressive. In a country racked by a bloody civil war, he is the one Tamil who unites the hearts and minds of every Lankan (the Tamils are a minority, mainly living in the northern Jaffna Peninsula, and some of them have been agitating for independence in a long and bloody civil war). For that alone, he deserves respect. Add to that his charity work, his humility, the way he carries himself off the field, and even how he has responsed to all the abuse heaped upon him, and you have one very special individual.

[Zainub]

You're right M, he's a national icon in Sri Lanka. When he broke the world record the Sri Lankan postal service released a special stamp honoring his achievment. And there was a special parade held too to welcome him back home after he arrived from Zimbabwe, which is where got his world record.

I've been really touched by all the work he's been doing lately for Tsunami victims.

And you're right again about how he's handled his critics. I have always had a lot of respect for him in that respect. I think he's shown a lot of guts and character. Other people (if they weren't as strong enough) could have easily given up considering the sheer amount of criticism he received as recently as a few years back. But not Murali, he's been just relentless, may be a little too much for the liking of his critics, but not many, even his critics I think, would doubt his determination and the passion with which he plays. He represents Sri Lanka with a lot of honor and pride.

[Paoli]

Yeah hes shown his softer side (if there is a hard side to him!!!!) and definetely has done what he can as many Sri Lankans look up to him...

Good on Murali and even Warnie for getting into Galle...I also like the Rebuilding Galle Stadium promo (rather fundraiser). Well done MM

[Hondo]

Yeah, Murali is a great icon for Sri Lanka. His charity work has shown exactly what kind of a person he really is.

He was involved with lot of charity work even before the tsunami. He's def a great asset to Sri Lanka.

Rumour has it that Galle stadium might not be rebuild at all. The concerns are, that if another tsunami hits the area it will be wiped out again. I believe they are looking at alternative place around area to build a new stadium. It's a shame, cause the venue is absolutely stunning. Specially with backdrop.

[Paoli]

Good to see your back and posting Hondo.....

I sincerely hope the Galle Stadium isn't NOT rebuilt, and that they go ahead with it....What are the chances of another tsunami??

[Hondo]

Thanks for the welcome mate. Work has been busy....

Yeah it would be sad to see Galle go, but it seems that way.

[Paoli]

What a shame....2 AFL clubs in Melbourne recently had a cricket fundraising match to raise funds for Galle and for AFL player Troy Broadbridge, killed in the disaster....It would be a shame; Leaving Galle as it is will only keep the scars there..

[Zainub]

What are the chances of another tsunami??P

No one can say with certainity, we have to be realistic and think about this, I have some memories assocaited with the Galle Stadium as well, but emotions count for little in this case. It is a risk, if it big enough, that is for the authourities to figure out, could help with warning systems in place, they'll have to think about this and then decide.

[Hondo]

Even with a warning system in place there isn't much can be done if one is cominmg. Only thing they can do is warn the people around area and get them so safety. They wouldn't be able to save the stadium. Unless they build a great wall around the satdium. But that would ruin the stadium.