Sri Lanka Cricket Board Under Government Control After Leaders Quit

The entire Sri Lanka Cricket executive committee has resigned, and the government has taken control. This follows claims of financial problems and poor team performance.
By Newsroom | Sports, Sri Lanka |

Colombo, April 29, 2026 – The administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been placed under government control, announced the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports today. This move follows the abrupt resignations of its president, Shammi Silva, and the entire executive committee on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The government stated the takeover is a temporary measure intended to facilitate "structural reforms" and address alleged financial irregularities and a perceived decline in the national team's performance.

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The intervention by the Sri Lankan government into the affairs of its national cricket board marks a significant development, triggered by the resignation of top officials amidst allegations of financial impropriety and a string of poor team results. The administration of the sport's governing body is now temporarily managed by the state, with plans to appoint an interim committee to oversee necessary changes.

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The resignations and subsequent government takeover were reportedly precipitated by negotiations led by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Reports suggest that the President engaged with Silva and other office bearers, facilitating a "peaceful exit" in light of mounting allegations. These concerns had been circulating since early March, fueled by complaints from players and observations of the national team's performance on the international stage.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has indicated that a special committee will be established promptly. Its mandate will be to tackle the existing issues within cricket administration and to implement reforms aimed at improving governance and the sport's overall standing. The departure of Silva also notes his former role as president of the Asian Cricket Council, succeeding Jay Shah.

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This latest intervention revives long-standing concerns regarding political interference in cricket governance within Sri Lanka. While the government frames the takeover as a necessary step for reform, the situation also raises questions about the potential implications for the sport's autonomy.

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The Sri Lankan national team's performance has been under scrutiny, with an early exit from the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India in February-March, being a recent point of disappointment. There are also reports, including from ESPNcricinfo, highlighting potential issues surrounding the International Cricket Council's (ICC) stance on an interim committee taking charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why has the Sri Lanka Cricket board been taken over by the government?
The government took control on April 29, 2026, because the president and the whole executive committee resigned. They are looking into money problems and bad team results.
Q: Who resigned from Sri Lanka Cricket?
The president, Shammi Silva, and the entire executive committee resigned on April 28, 2026. This happened after talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Q: What will happen next with Sri Lanka Cricket?
The government will set up a special committee to fix problems in how cricket is run and to make changes. This is a temporary step to improve the sport.
Q: Is this the first time politics has affected Sri Lanka Cricket?
No, this takeover brings up old worries about politicians interfering with cricket. The government says it's for reforms, but some people are concerned about the sport's independence.