The International Cricket Council (ICC) took swift action on Friday, suspending Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) membership due to government interference. The decision followed the Sri Lankan ministry of sport’s dismissal of SLC’s board and the installation of an interim committee, challenged but stayed by the Court of Appeal.
“The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member,” stated the ICC. This breach pertained to autonomy in managing affairs and preventing government interference in cricket governance.
The suspension’s conditions are pending decision by the ICC Board. Sri Lanka’s poor World Cup performance, winning only two out of nine games, intensified the situation, resulting in Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe branding SLC as “traitorous and corrupt” in a parliamentary statement.
Amidst the turmoil, SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva resigned, and the board was ousted. Ranasinghe formed an interim committee led by World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga. Ousted SLC President Shammi Silva contested the dismissal in court, receiving a two-week stay order.
The parliamentary discussion on the matter added another layer of complexity. Responding to allegations of a $2 million transfer from SLC’s accounts, the cricket body clarified the funds were used for operational expenses and not moved out of their accounts. SLC highlighted the necessity of managing expenses in Sri Lanka while dealing with income in foreign currencies.
In this intricate web of legal battles, governance issues, and financial clarifications, the future of Sri Lanka Cricket hangs in the balance.
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