Sri Lanka Government Takes Temporary Control of Cricket Board Amid Reform Push

Sri Lanka’s government has taken temporary control of the national cricket board, announcing plans to oversee administrative functions while implementing structural reforms aimed at addressing long-standing issues.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports confirmed that all administrative responsibilities of Sri Lanka Cricket will now fall under its authority with immediate effect. Officials stated that a special committee will soon be appointed to tackle ongoing concerns within the sport and to introduce reforms designed to improve governance and transparency.

Sri Lanka Cricket, the country’s wealthiest sporting organisation, has faced repeated allegations of corruption and mismanagement over the years. The move by the government is being framed as a temporary intervention intended to stabilise operations and restore confidence in the system.

The decision follows the resignation of Shammi Silva, the board’s president, along with the entire governing committee. Their departure came shortly after the government stepped in, signalling a major shift in the administration of the sport.

The situation also brings renewed attention to past tensions with the International Cricket Council, which previously suspended Sri Lanka for a brief period over concerns related to political interference in cricket administration.

Adding to the pressure, the national team’s recent performance has drawn criticism, particularly after an early exit from the T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosted alongside India earlier this year.

The government has emphasised that its intervention is not permanent and is focused on ensuring reforms are implemented effectively. However, the move raises questions about the balance between necessary oversight and maintaining independence in sports governance.