Sri Lanka Sacks Entire Cricket Board, Appoints Interim Committee (Image: srilankacricket)
The entire Sri Lanka cricket board was sacked by the government of Sri Lanka on Monday, November 6. The team”s poor performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup, and particularly India”s 302-run victory against Sri Lanka, are the major reasons for this crucial decision. It was announced by Sri Lanka”s sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe.
Roshan Ranasinghe severely criticized the board earlier and also accused it of being disloyal and spoiled by corruption. Ranasinghe said in an official statement that the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) administration and the selection committee are responsible for the team”s performance in the World Cup 2023. The minister also asked the board members to immediately resign. Following this, Sri Lanka Cricket Board Secretary Mohan De Silva resigned.
Minister Roshan Ranasinghe also announced that an interim seven-member committee, headed by former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, will take charge. This panel also includes a retired Supreme Court judge and a former board president. According to the Ministry of Sports, the interim panel has been appointed by Roshan Ranasinghe under the powers of Sports Law No. 25 of 1973.
On November 2, India defeated Sri Lanka by 302 runs. While India scored 357 runs in 50 overs, Sri Lanka collapsed for 55 runs in just 19 overs. The Sri Lankan batting was completely crushed by Indian bowlers. This massive defeat has sparked public outrage and led to calls for changes in the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The board was slammed for not maintaining the high standards and success achieved in the past. Sri Lanka”s last World Cup victory was in 1996.
