Sri Lanka's Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Roshan Ranasinghe, has individually written to all full member countries of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to inform them about recent controversies surrounding the national cricket board.
In a media release, the Sports Ministry accused Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) of misleading the international cricket governing body by implying that it is plagued by political interference.
In his letter, Ranasinghe emphasized the need for 'interim measures' against SLC to establish good governance principles, uphold the rule of law, and promote ethics and the spirit of the game. He highlighted the gradual decline in the quality of cricket in Sri Lanka since 2015, both internationally and domestically. SLC has faced complaints related to player disciplinary issues, management corruption, financial misconduct, and match-fixing allegations.
Ranasinghe explained that despite previous ministers initiating inquiries into SLC's alleged misconduct, the political crises and disasters prevented any significant action. However, recent revelations and audit reports from the independent Auditor General's Department have necessitated immediate intervention to bring financial wrongdoers to justice and enhance transparency in Sri Lanka Cricket administration.
He also raised concerns about SLC's alleged promotion of a 'betting-friendly' environment, emphasizing that local cricket fixtures are now sponsored by betting companies and illegal cryptocurrency scams, which are banned and blacklisted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Mismanagement within SLC, Ranasinghe argued, has resulted in significant losses for the country, particularly due to injuries sustained by key players in a cricket league held shortly before the World Cup.
Addressing allegations of 'political interference' made by SLC, Ranasinghe clarified that his inquiry pertained solely to financial misconduct and denied any governmental authority's interference in the operations of Sri Lanka Cricket.
The minister also expressed his displeasure with ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice, who had requested SLC's endorsement for the committee appointed to investigate alleged misconduct by cricket board officials.
