May 19, Colombo (LNW): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly urged Sri Lankan authorities to accelerate plans for restoring an independently elected cricket administration, following high-level discussions held in Colombo this week.
An ICC delegation, including Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Devajit Saikia, met members of the government-appointed Cricket Transformation Committee (CTC) amid ongoing concerns surrounding the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket.
The talks centred on governance reforms, proposed constitutional changes, election procedures and the need to ensure Sri Lanka remains compliant with ICC regulations requiring member boards to function free from political interference.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that ICC representatives strongly emphasised the importance of establishing a clear and expedited roadmap towards reinstating a fully autonomous elected administration. However, members of the CTC are understood to have resisted pressure to commit to a fixed timeline, citing the complexity of the ongoing restructuring process.
The current dispute emerged after former SLC President Shammi Silva and the executive committee stepped down following government intervention earlier this year. In response, the Ministry of Sports placed cricket administration under temporary state supervision and appointed a nine-member interim committee headed by former banker and politician Eran Wickramaratne.
Observers say the ICC is keen to avoid prolonged government involvement in cricket administration, as similar situations in other countries have previously resulted in suspensions and restrictions on international participation.