The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has firmly requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe's assurance to eliminate any potential political interference in the country's cricket affairs. The governing body of cricket in Sri Lanka, SLC, is seeking this assurance before approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) to appeal for the removal of the imposed suspension.
This plea from the SLC head comes in response to the Sports Minister's commitment to contest the allegedly illegal suspension at the ICC. SLC Chairman Shammi Silva disclosed plans to meet with the ICC on November 21 but stressed the need for political assurance. Silva cautioned that the ICC ban could lead to a significant financial loss, estimating at least $50 million. Furthermore, he highlighted the potential impact on hosting the U19 Cricket World Cup in January and the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sri Lanka next year. Silva also revealed ongoing plans to co-host the T20 World Cup in 2026 with India.
Silva emphasized the necessity for the Sri Lankan government's support in these endeavors, citing the ICC's diminishing confidence. The AGM cancellation and uncertainty surrounding the U19 World Cup raised concerns. The potential cancellation of the U19 tournament could result in Sri Lanka losing a $2.4 million ICC grant intended for local venue development.
Simultaneously, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe declared his intention to appeal to the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee, labeling the suspension illegal and malicious. In case of failure at the ICC's DRC, the Minister expressed readiness to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
The cricket turmoil in Sri Lanka unfolded when lawmakers, supported by both the government and opposition, ousted top officials of the Cricket Board, alleging extreme corruption and fund misappropriation. The Parliament, consisting of 225 members, passed a resolution to remove the cricket board, a day after obtaining a court order to suspend the Minister's appointment of an Interim Committee to oversee the cricket governing body's affairs. The situation remains complex, requiring political assurance for cricket's international standing and financial stability in Sri Lanka.
(With agency inputs)
Also Read | ICC Suspends Sri Lanka's Membership Due to Government Interference
Also Read | Semifinal Outlook Defined as New Zealand Defeats Sri Lanka
