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[Saba Sports News] Mohan de Silva, the Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), resigned from his board position on November 4, with the official reason undisclosed. It’s widely believed to be linked to the national team’s poor performance in the ODI World Cup, though personal reasons may have played a role.
Criticism against SLC grew due to the team’s early ODI World Cup exit, raising concerns about Sri Lankan cricket. Pressure on SLC intensified as the sports minister demanded the executive committee’s resignation or threatened drastic action, exacerbating tensions that had been brewing for over a year.
The conflict centered on financial mismanagement during the Men’s T20 World Cup and issues with domestic tournaments like the Lanka Premier League. While SLC generally maintains a friendly relationship with the sports ministry, disputes occasionally arise.
Sri Lanka’s sports law gives the sports ministry oversight over SLC and other national sporting bodies. However, the ICC has strict policies against government interference in cricket to prevent excessive ministerial power.
The sports minister accused SLC of various shortcomings, including a lack of facilities for players like an indoor training facility and a swimming pool for fitness and injury rehabilitation. These issues have long concerned Sri Lanka’s cricketers.
SLC has responded strongly to the minister’s criticisms in recent months, but the national team’s World Cup disappointment temporarily shifted the balance of power. The last time the government imposed an “interim committee” to replace SLC’s elected executive committee was in 2014, leading the ICC to withhold funds meant for the board.