Sri Lanka’s government on Wednesday took control of the island’s cricket board and appointed a nine-member caretaker administration to carry out “structural reforms”.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is the country’s richest sporting body but is plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
World governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka for two months in 2023-24, citing political interference in the functioning of the national council.
“All administrative functions of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, effective immediately,” the ministry said.
Shortly after, the ministry appointed former investment banker and opposition politician Eran Wickramaratne to head the board.
Other members appointed by the government include former skipper Kumar Sangakkara and former Test players Sidath Wettimuny and Roshan Mahanama.
The ministry said the caretaker committee would “address current issues in cricket and implement structural reforms”.
Four-time SLC president Shammi Silva resigned on Tuesday, along with his entire committee, after government intervention.
AFP has contacted the ICC for comment.
Sri Lanka exited early from the T20 World Cup, which it co-hosted with India in February-March.
