SLC turns on to ICC, citing ‘increasing political interference’
An official complaint made by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to its parent body the International Cricket Council (ICC) over increasing political interference in its administration has attracted the wrath of the Sports Ministry, which has ordered the SLC to cite these reported incidents of political interference.
Ever since SLC shifted the Asia Cup to Dubai (while retaining hosting rights) SLC has become a point of discussion in Parliament. Opposition MPs have called on the Government to probe alleged underhand deals by local cricket officials reportedly to deprive Sri Lanka of hosting the Asia Cup 2022 tournament which they say could’ve earned at least US$50mn.
Arjuna Ranatunga, who chairs the advisory body, National Sports Council (NSC), echoes these views. SLC’s ‘lavish expenditure’ on sending busloads of Executive Committee members to the Asia Cup and World Cup has also been questioned, although the Ministry did little to stem the flow of joyrides.
Later, the Board lodged an official complaint with the ICC citing political interference and angering the Ministry. Like most international sports bodies, ICC requires complete independence of its member associations while respecting domestic laws. Sri Lanka is the only country that requires sports associations to get their teams signed off by the Sports Minister before they leave for any international sports event.
A letter signed by Sports Ministry Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva and addressed to Secretary SLC questions Board’s motive in complaining to the ICC when the Ministry had acted under Sri Lanka’s existing laws and regulations.
SLC should have first brought the matter before the Sports Ministry, had there been political interference as claimed, it states: “If there’s no relief, then they can go to the President or take legal action”.
SLC has also challenged the appointment of Ranatunga as NSC Chairman given his strained relations with the Board after failing to garner enough support to enter cricket administration.
The Ministry Secretary’s letter says MPs have the right to speak about matters of public interest in Parliament and that the SLC’s complaint to the ICC grossly violates their rights. It says the same applies to the public with the country’s constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech.