The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) deputy chair, Imran Khwaja, had “cordial and constructive” discussions with the newly appointed transformation committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Khwaja visited Sri Lanka over the past few days to assess the situation after the government replaced the previous SLC administration and installed a new committee.
During Khwaja’s visit, he met members of the new committee as well as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whose government had installed the committee after ousting the previous board.
According to Sidath Wettimuny, one of the nine members of the committee, the discussion was positive. He said the committee hopes that the ICC will continue to recognise Sri Lanka Cricket as a regular full member despite the sweeping changes made by the government.
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Formed on April 30, the nine-member committee also includes former Sri Lanka cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Roshan Mahanama alongside Wettimuny. Former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne has been appointed chair of the committee.
“Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” Wettimuny had said after the committee members were introduced as reported by ESPNcricinfo. “The cornerstone of this effort will be the implementation of the new constitution, ensuring it serves as a robust, modern foundation for the sport.”
Wickramaratne added that improving performances on the field is another of their key goals. He said the committee wants to develop better facilities, systems and support structure to help Sri Lanka’s national teams.
ICC’s sanction on Sri Lanka Cricket in the past
The ICC has not yet officially commented on the latest developments in Sri Lanka Cricket. Despite the “cordial” talks, it is worth noting that the ICC has previously taken action against SLC over concerns of government interference. In 2023, the board was suspended after the ICC raised concerns about political involvement in cricket administration. Before that, in 2015, the global cricket governing body decided to freeze payments to SCL after an interim committee was appointed by the government.
