Sri Lankan star batsman Kumar Sangakkara said Saturday that Asia's cricketers have progressed rapidly and the continent is now the game's driving economic force worldwide. “We, as a continent of cricket lovers, have transformed ourselves from post-independence minnows to the true powerhouse of world cricket,” Sangakkara said during the ceremony of Asian Cricket Council's silver jubilee celebrations. “Asia's contribution to global cricket transcends money and it is obvious that Asia is now the economic driving force behind world cricket.” The International Cricket Council awarded Sri Lanka Test status in 1981. Within 15 years, it won the 1996 World Cup when Arjuna Ranatunga led the islanders to victory in the final against Australia at Lahore, Pakistan. India (1983) and Pakistan (1992) are the other Asian arch-rivals that have won the World Cup – a title that still eludes countries such as England, New Zealand and South Africa. Sangakkara highlighted the Asian representation in the other Test-playing countries. Sangakkara highlighted Asian cricketers' dominance in revolutionizing skills with the likes of master Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, hard-hitting Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya and the famous Ws of Pakistan – Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. “We have produced cricketers who have individually shaped the way cricket is played today,” Sangakkara said. “Successful cricketers in Asia are celebrities, but we must make sure that we are more than just famous personalities,” he said. “We need to be role models for the youngsters.” Sri Lanka meets India in the final of Asia Cup Sunday. – AP __
