In a surprising turn of events, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently issued a statement addressing the confusion surrounding the exclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera from the World Cup squad. The revelation of their initial inclusion in the provisional squad and subsequent omission has sparked debates and accusations, leading to the suspension of SLC by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
As Sri Lanka announced its provisional World Cup squad, fans and experts expected the dynamic duo of Hasaranga and Chameera to play crucial roles. However, the final squad shocked everyone by omitting both players, leaving the cricket fraternity in confusion.
Contrary to expectations, neither Hasaranga nor Chameera found a place in the final World Cup squad. This unexpected decision by SLC raised eyebrows and fueled speculations about the reasons behind the omission.
In response to the growing confusion, Sri Lanka Cricket issued a statement elucidating the circumstances surrounding the final squad selection. The board aimed to provide clarity on the unexpected omission of Hasaranga and Chameera.
“Following the selection meeting, on the same day, Sri Lanka Cricket sent the squad seeking approval of the National Sports Selection Committee, which comes under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs,” the statement read.
The statement revealed that SLC intended to include both players in the squad, planning to utilize them once they recovered from injuries. However, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs intervened, demanding medical clearance for Hasaranga, Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka Cricket clarified that they intended to send Hasaranga and Chameera to India with the prospect of utilizing them in the later stages of the World Cup. The Ministry’s requirements for medical clearance, however, derailed this plan.
“In response, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs sent a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket on September 26, 2023, seeking medical clearance to approve the inclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka, it added.
In a bold move, SLC accused the sports ministry of misleading the public and the cricket board. Discrepancies emerged in the details provided by the ministry regarding the spending of the National Sports Fund, leading to further confusion and allegations.
“In the media release issued by the Ministry of Sports on November 13, 2023, it provided details of 47 items on how the SLC’s grant of Rs. 289 million has been spent,” the SLC release said.
The release by SLC highlighted differences between the details obtained from the sports ministry and the media release by the ministry itself. Discrepancies in the number of activities funded by the Rs. 289 million grant added to the controversy surrounding the financial aspects of cricket administration.
“However, a document obtained by the SLC on November 23 under the Right to Information Act shows the ministry has spent money on 67 activities instead of 47 mentioned in the media release,” it further added.
Amidst the controversy, the ICC took a drastic step by suspending Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect, citing government interference.
In another blow to Sri Lanka’s cricketing reputation, the ICC decided to relocate the Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa. This decision, coupled with the suspension, marked a challenging period for Sri Lankan cricket.
