Sri Lanka government 'temporarily' takes over cricket board

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Colombo: The entire Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), including President Shammi Silva, resigned on Wednesday, after the government requested they step down to facilitate structural reforms.

Following these resignations, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has temporarily assumed control of the board’s administrative functions under the national Sports Act.

The mass departure was driven by mounting allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the organization. Public dissatisfaction intensified after Sri Lanka’s poor performance in the recent T20 World Cup, a tournament they co-hosted. Additionally, senior players reportedly voiced their concerns regarding governance directly to government officials.

An interim management team is expected to be appointed shortly to restore the board's credibility. While intended to stabilize the sport, this direct government intervention may prompt the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate potential political interference in the board's autonomy.