To counteract political interference in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the island nation is preparing an innovative step. Sri Lanka has had to review its governance structure in light of the suspension that was recently imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to “political interference.”.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe personally selected a specially created cabinet subcommittee, which has promptly addressed the ICC’s concerns. This subcommittee’s origins may be traced to the contentious attempt, undertaken as a ruse by the ICC, to create an interim panel for SLC by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe.
The U19 World Cup, which was initially scheduled to be staged in Sri Lanka, had to relocate to South Africa as a result of the suspension.
President Wickremesinghe took decisive action by ousting both Ranasinghe and his replacement, Harin Fernando, and reinstalling the elected government run by Shammi Silva. During this situation, the president’s intention to reform the antiquated 1973 sports law—which permitted ministers to name temporary committees—gained impetus.
The leader of the cabinet committee, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, announced a thorough examination of the SLC’s existing organizational design. The main goal is to put forth ideas that will strengthen the cricket board’s governance and keep politics out of the equation. After winning the World Cup in 1996, Sri Lankan cricket was previously considered a national pride, but it has struggled with interim committees and political meddling.
The new law seeks to revitalize cricket at all levels, including schools, districts, and provinces, and addresses concerns such as the voting system, which has been accused of encouraging vote-buying. The committee’s thorough investigation also aimed to identify the causes of Sri Lanka’s declining global standing and provide recommendations for improvement.
The impending enactment of this new law promises independence, accountability, and openness in the management of Sri Lanka cricket. The island country is ready to emerge from the political shadows and usher in a new era for its cricketing scene by conforming to international standards established by the International Cricket Council.
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