NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka's sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, criticised Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for allegedly seeking a ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC), branding it a "big betrayal of the country."
The minister had earlier appointed an interim committee, led by legendary captain Arjuna Ranatunga, after dismissing the SLC administration headed by Shammi Silva following the national team's disappointing World Cup campaign.
Ranasinghe accused the previous administration of attempting to retain their positions selfishly, despite audit reports exposing corrupt actions. The ICC promptly suspended SLC due to government interference, and a court order was obtained by Silva to suspend the interim committee.
In response to opposition leader Sajith Premadasa's accusation that SLC sought an ICC ban, the cricket board claimed that Ranasinghe's actions amounted to political interference, emphasising their duty as an ICC full member to adhere to the association's articles.
The case regarding the suspension of the interim committee is scheduled to be heard in the Court of Appeal, with at least three judges recusing themselves from the case. Ranasinghe criticised the chair of the court of appeal in parliament for allegedly overlooking the audit report highlighting SLC's misdeeds.
The administrative crisis in Sri Lankan cricket intensified after the national team's early exit from the World Cup, winning only two out of nine games. Last Wednesday, SLC filed a defamation lawsuit against Minister Ranasinghe for his purportedly damaging statements against the cricket board.
The turmoil reflects the challenges facing Sri Lankan cricket in the aftermath of the World Cup disappointment.
(With inputs from PTI)
