Cricket was destroyed under current govt. : Min. Ranatunga

Minister Arjuna Ranatunga last week conceded that cricket had been destroyed to a greater extent under the current government, urging that officials involved in corrupting the game must be punished.

Addressing a press briefing on Saturday (Sept 7), the one-time world cup winning captain pointed out that the International Cricket Council levelled "criminal charges" against Sri Lanka Cricket.

"The Sports Minister must immediately take these details into consideration and punish the perpetrators behind these corruption cases," he urged.

Minister Ranatunga who led Sri Lanka to its first world cup victory in 1996, alleged that certain officials are engaging in corruption and attempting to evade legal action by maintaining ties with the President.

“The President must understand this situation and ensure that he doesn’t destroy his reputation by associating with these individuals,” he remarked while also calling on the Prime Minister to take action over this matter.

Mr. Ranatunga lauded the recent laws which disqualified individuals who have links to betting organizations from holding office in sports bodies.