By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

	'I regret that I lost the opportunity to lead my country at the peak of my career'

He expressed his disappointment he did not get the opportunity to lead the country “at the height of” his game.

Vaas, who currently plays for the Northamptonshire Cricket Club, has been starring with both batting and bowling since arriving in the UK. He has also performed well in the third edition of the IPL in India.

All ten Test captains in Sri Lanka were batsmen; Vaas was briefly appointed as a Vice Captain but he was later replaced by veteran bowler Muttiah Muralidaran.

'Lost opportunity'

“We have seen in the past that so many captains who led Sri Lanka all were batsmen, not bowlers. I think that needs to be changed. We have quality bowlers and quality all-rounders who can deliver everything. So I hope in future this will change,” Chaminda Vaas said.

	Vaas tips Mathews to suceed Sangakkara

He pointed out that bowlers were appointed as skippers in many other Test playing countries including Pakistan (Imran Khan and Wasim Akram), South Africa (Shaun Pollock) and India (Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble).

“I regret that I lost the opportunity to lead my country at the peak of my career. But I hope new all-rounder Angelo Mathews will get that opportunity; he has a bright future,” he said.

The selectors informed of the decision not to select him for the national team saying he was not performing well, according to Vaas, but came up with “another excuse” when he improved his performance.

Selectors 'excuses'

“I want to play till next World Cup in 2011 and looking forward to get back to the side. It’s up to the selectors; always I’ve been knocking on the door.”

	Vaas defends Jayasuriya's decision to engage in politics while playing cricket

Vaas who has already retired from Test cricket says he plans to retire from international cricket after the World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

“I believe that I can contribute and Sri Lanka has a strong team to win the next World title,” he said.

Chaminda Vaas, whose team mate Sanath Jayasuriya was recently elected as an MP, says he has no plans to join the politics.

“I’ll never ever join politics as long as I have my conscious. I’m already getting trained to be a fast bowling coach after retiring from the international cricket.”

He rejected suggestions that he supported Jayasuriya’s election campaign for political favours saying that he could not reject when Jayasuriya made the request.

“People can say so many things but it’s up to him. If his politics and cricket don’t conflict with each other, I think there is no reason to quit politics or cricket.”

A selection of your comments:

Chaminda Vaas, is a class act and a leader of the highest caliber. He was instrumental in transforming Sri Lankan bowling to a world class outfit. It was he who lead Murali in most cases and brought out the best in Murali. He has performed a job far greater than any of the captains have done by spear heading the Sri Lankan Bowling to a new frontier! Sri Lanka pays tribute to you Chaminda as one of her unsung heroes!
Ramesh Soysa, Colombo

Vaas should back to national team. he is one of the best.
M. Ramzeen Haneefa, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Well said Vass. but what relly matters for a player to head his side is his skills to be the leader. To get the maximum outof his team mates. It isn't importain whether he is a bowler, batsman or an allrounder.
Mervyn Silva, Colombo

Well said Vaasi...
Leonard Rathnayake, Foggia, Italy

Vaas is correct. Muralidaran should be the captain. NOT Sangakkara.
Nalin Hettiarachchi, Boston, USA

Sri lanka is previleged to have a Cricketer like Vass. Dont be rediculous ignoring his great offer to join the national teem as the World cup is nearing. If Wasim and Imran lead pakistan team so well Why vass was not given an opertunity. He would have been a better captain. Englad club is realy enjoing his abilities.
Kaluperuma de Silva, Kandy