In a surprising turn of events, Sri Lanka’s sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, has taken decisive action against the national cricket board just days after the team’s devastating loss to India at the World Cup 2023. This bold move comes amid ongoing conflicts with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the island’s wealthiest sports organization, over allegations of ‘corruption and mismanagement’.
The action follows Sri Lanka’s shocking 302-run defeat against India, where they were bowled out for a mere 55 runs, marking the fourth-lowest total in World Cup history. This devastating loss in Mumbai has led to widespread public outrage and protests, even prompting police deployment outside the board’s offices in Colombo.
Ranasinghe, who has been vocal about the need for the board’s resignation, cited the lack of moral and ethical grounds for their continued tenure. He accused SLC officials of being “traitorous and corrupt,” highlighting the board’s failure to uphold standards in Sri Lankan cricket. The sports minister’s stance reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the board’s handling of cricket affairs, especially since the country’s historic World Cup victory in 1996.
In response to this crisis, the newly appointed interim committee, led by the 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, includes a retired Supreme Court judge and a former board president. This diverse panel aims to address the myriad issues plaguing Sri Lankan cricket, ranging from player discipline to financial misconduct and match-fixing allegations.
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Ranasinghe’s bold actions have raised concerns regarding political interference in sports, a matter strictly regulated by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It’s worth noting that his previous attempt to appoint a three-member panel to investigate corruption within the SLC was withdrawn following the ICC’s intervention. The ICC has yet to respond to this latest development, which sees the dismissal of an elected board led by president Shammi Silva in his third consecutive term.
Sri Lanka Cricket Board Suspended: Sri Lanka Sports Minister has appointed an Interim Committee for SLC with 1996 World Cup winning Captain Arjuna Ranatunga as Chairman with effect from today pic.twitter.com/iyGH1IOTKw
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) November 6, 2023
The situation is further complicated by Sri Lanka’s dismal standing in the World Cup. Currently, they are seventh in the table, needing an unlikely combination of results to advance. This upheaval comes amidst Sri Lanka’s broader struggles with financial instability and political turmoil.
