(Image Source: Reuters)
[Saba Sports News] The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has led to significant political repercussions, as Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sacked the country’s Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe. This move came after Ranasinghe focused on reforming the SLC, even dissolving its elected body due to alleged corruption.
Earlier, Ranasinghe had ousted the elected cricket board, citing corruption, which the board members denied and are legally contesting. His removal led to the appointment of an interim committee headed by former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
However, this appointment caused controversy and coincided with the ICC’s decision to maintain the suspension of SLC, a decision initially made on November 10 and reaffirmed on November 21.
The situation escalated when Ranasinghe accused President Wickremesinghe of plotting to assassinate him, attributing the threat to his anti-corruption efforts in SLC. He voiced these allegations in parliament, exacerbating tensions with Wickremesinghe over SLC’s management.
Despite this dramatic turn, optimism for SLC’s future remains cautious, as the ICC has yet to decide on lifting the suspension related to governmental interference in the cricket board.