While not taking any credit away from Sri Lanka’s great victory in the Sharjah Cup I am suggesting the following format for future cricket finals in the desert through the good auspicious of The Island, so that it may reach the relevant authorities in Sharjah for consideration. Any team which goes through the league unbeaten and beaten in the final will have cause to feel aggrieved at the ironic turn of fate which deprived them of prestige as well as a cup load of money.

If after preliminary rounds, two finalists are A and B and if A has won both matches against B in the preliminary rounds, a victory for A in the first final will be sufficient. If B wins the first final a second final to be played and if B wins that too, cup to B. If A wins - cup to A.

If after preliminary rounds A and B stands equal in matches played between the two, the first final to be the decider.

Above if implemented with any amendments if needed will avoid a lot of heartburn among beaten teams and their supporters. Who knows the wheel may turn full circle!
C. M. de Vas Gunasekara
Kandy