The Turmoil in Sri Lankan Cricket: A Clash of Power and Politics

In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Sri Lankan cricket board is witnessing a clash of power and politics with former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga accusing Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah of undermining Sri Lankan cricket.

Ranatunga, the iconic figure who led Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 World Cup, did not mince words when he pointed fingers at Jay Shah, suggesting a connection between Shah and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials. According to Ranatunga, this alleged association has led the BCCI to believe it can exert control over SLC.

“Jay Shah is running Sri Lanka Cricket. SLC is being ruined because of pressure from Jay Shah. One man in India is ruining Sri Lankan cricket,” remarked Ranatunga, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the BCCI secretary.

The controversy doesn’t end on the field, as off-field developments have added fuel to the fire. Sri Lanka’s ninth-place finish in the World Cup means they will not be part of the 2025 Champions Trophy, intensifying the frustrations of cricket fans in the country.

The political interference in Sri Lankan cricket took a dramatic turn when the sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, dismissed the SLC board and appointed an interim committee led by Arjuna Ranatunga. However, the legal system swiftly intervened, issuing a 14-day stay order on the gazette dissolving the board, essentially reinstating the previous administration.

Adding to the chaos, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took decisive action by suspending the Sri Lanka Cricket board with immediate effect. The suspension came in response to perceived government interference in the board’s affairs, signaling a serious concern about the autonomy and independence of cricketing bodies.

The allegations made by Arjuna Ranatunga raise questions about the influence of external entities in the internal matters of cricket boards. While the BCCI has been a dominant force in world cricket, accusations of overstepping boundaries and interference highlight the challenges associated with the sport’s governance.

Sri Lanka Cricket now finds itself entangled in a web of political and administrative turmoil, the focus now shifts to how the cricketing community, both locally and globally, responds to ensure the integrity and independence of cricket boards.

The future of Sri Lankan cricket hangs in the balance, caught between the passion of its fans and the complex dynamics of power politics in the cricketing world. In many ways, this turmoil could have been predicted because past few months haven’t been easy for the 1996 World Cup winning side.

Particularly against India, Sri Lanka has been bowled out for 73, 50 and 52. It should be noted that they played World Cup qualifiers to find their way into the World Cup 2023. However, all the aspirations and potential proved fruitless as the team consistently played incompetitive cricket throughout the tournament.