Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has indicated that sweeping changes could be on the cards for the country’s cricket administration following the national team’s disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Despite enjoying home advantage in Colombo and Pallekele, Sri Lanka failed to win a single Super Eight match, triggering frustration among fans and renewed scrutiny of the sport’s governance.
Gamage revealed that discussions are underway with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to potentially transfer the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to an interim committee. The move, he said, is aimed at rebuilding the sport and restoring its past glory. However, he stressed that any action would be taken in full consultation with the ICC to avoid another suspension for government interference — a setback Sri Lanka faced in 2024.
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The current SLC chairman, Shammi Silva, remains in office until May 2027. Sri Lanka Cricket was previously suspended after former sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe removed Silva over corruption allegations, a move that resulted in the country losing hosting rights for the 2025 Under-19 World Cup.
On the field, Sri Lanka’s campaign began with a notable win over Australia but ended in disappointment, including defeats to New Zealand and Zimbabwe. Their early exit sparked visible anger among home supporters.
Once a dominant force — highlighted by their 1996 ODI World Cup triumph and the 2014 T20 World Cup title — Sri Lanka now faces a critical phase. The government appears determined to restore the team to its pre-2014 stature and rebuild confidence in the cricketing structure.
