Colombo (LNW): Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa asserting that he will be making a new revelation today (19) on which the final match of the Cricket World Cup is being held stated that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sent three letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 6, 7, and 9, 2023, revealing the circumstances which led to Sri Lanka Cricket’s ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In the November 6 letter, the Interim Committee was criticised for political interference, and pressure was allegedly exerted on the Minister. The second letter indicated that the Inter-Season Committee violated the Sports Act, potentially leading to a cricket ban if such a committee is appointed, the Opposition Leader said.
In his special statement in Parliament today, Premadasa highlighted pressure to relocate activities such as the Under-19 World Cup, the 2024 ICC International Conference, and a T20 match to another country.
The third letter stated that a parliamentary debate initiated by the Sports Minister affected cricket’s independence by removing members. It also claimed efforts to change the cricket constitution, contrary to the ICC constitution, and requested 20 per cent of the SLC’s income from the Sports Ministry, he noted.
Premadasa asserted that the information in these letters is false, denying political interference and dismissing the notion of cricket being subjugated to the government’s cronies. He emphasised that such conduct violates the sporting rights of 22 million people.
