Sri Lanka’s government ‘temporarily’ takes over cricket board | Cricket News
Sri Lanka Government Assumes Control of Cricket Board Amid Reform Efforts
Published on April 29, 2026
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The Sri Lankan government has assumed control of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, a move officials describe as a temporary measure aimed at implementing necessary structural reforms.
Effective immediately, all administrative functions of SLC will fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
In the wake of this takeover, the ministry announced plans to appoint a committee tasked with addressing pressing issues within the cricket administration and overseeing the reform process.
SLC, the wealthiest sports organization in the country, has faced ongoing allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The International Cricket Council, the global governing body for cricket, suspended Sri Lanka for two months during the 2023-2024 period, citing concerns over political interference in the management of the national board.
The announcement comes after the resignation of Shammi Silva, SLC’s president, and his entire committee on Tuesday, following the government’s intervention.
Sri Lanka’s cricket team also faced challenges on the field, exiting early from the T20 World Cup co-hosted with India in February and March, further compounding the issues facing the board and the sport in the country.
