Sri Lanka’s government on Wednesday took control of the island’s cricket board and appointed a nine-member interim administration to carry out “structural reforms”.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is the country’s richest sporting body, but has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
World governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Sri Lanka for two months in 2023-2024, alleging political interference in the functioning of the national board.
“All administrative functions of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily placed under the control of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, effective today,” the ministry said.
Shortly after, the ministry appointed former investment banker and opposition politician Eran Wickramaratne to lead the board.
Among the other members appointed by the government are former captain Kumar Sangakkara and former Test players Sidath Wettimuny and Roshan Mahanama.
The ministry said the interim committee will “address the current problems in cricket and implement structural reforms”.
Four-time SLC president Shammi Silva resigned on Tuesday, along with his entire committee, following government intervention.
AFP has contacted the ICC for comment.
Sri Lanka exited the T20 World Cup, which it co-hosted with India in February-March, early.
