Sri Lanka Cricket Board dissolved amid corruption claims

Sri Lanka's cricket board has been asked by the government to step aside amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to an official of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) who spoke to AFP. The government is already working on restructuring the board, and as part of that process, the current board is being dissolved.

An interim committee is likely to be formed to run the board's affairs for the time being. Notably, Bangladesh cricket is also currently being managed by an ad-hoc committee led by former captain Tamim Iqbal.

Shammi Silva, who has been serving as the president of Sri Lanka Cricket for four terms, has faced several accusations of irregularities during his tenure. There were even claims of unfair practices in team selection during the recent T20 World Cup.

It has not yet been decided who will lead the interim committee, though reports suggest a former investment banker might take charge. Many cricket fans in Sri Lanka have welcomed the government's decision.

However, there is concern that government interference in cricket could lead to trouble with the International Cricket Council (ICC). In November 2023, Sri Lanka's ICC membership was temporarily suspended for similar reasons.