Sri Lanka’s efforts to reshape its cricket administration received high-level backing on Friday after ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia visited Colombo for discussions with the country’s cricket leadership, with governance reforms, development initiatives and the future direction of the game among the key topics on the agenda. The visit also included a meeting between Shah and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, underlining Sri Lanka’s continued importance within the global cricket landscape at a time when the country is navigating a transition in the administration of the sport.
Governance transition remains a priority
A major focus of the visit was the ongoing process aimed at strengthening governance structures and introducing constitutional and administrative reforms designed to provide long-term stability. Officials overseeing the transition outlined the progress achieved so far and shared timelines relating to the eventual return to an elected administration under the relevant legal framework.
The discussions also covered broader cricket matters, including development programmes, bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen ties with both the ICC and the BCCI.
In an official media release, Sri Lanka Cricket said, “Sri Lanka Cricket expressed its appreciation to Mr. Shah and Mr. Saikia for taking the time to visit Colombo and engage in a constructive dialogue on the future direction of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.” The board also described the engagement as an opportunity to discuss the continued growth of the game and collaboration between the three bodies.
Shah outlines wider development ambitions
Beyond governance matters, Shah’s meeting with President Dissanayake focused on the role cricket can play in developing opportunities for young players and supporting wider economic and social objectives.
In a post on X, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, “It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @anuradisanayake today and discuss the current status of cricket in Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on increasing opportunities for emerging players, supporting grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging cricket as a vehicle for social impact and economic growth.”
It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @anuradisanayake today and discuss the current status of cricket in Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on increasing opportunities for emerging players, supporting grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging… pic.twitter.com/9Zk5oQcGX5
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 19, 2026
The conversations also touched on Sri Lanka’s contribution to the international calendar and its standing within the sport’s broader ecosystem. The country has regularly hosted major events and remains one of the game’s most established markets.
Later in the same post, Shah said, “We also exchanged views on the role Sri Lanka continues to play in hosting major international events and contributing to the global development of our sport. Sri Lanka holds a special place in the history of cricket, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further strengthen the game and create new opportunities for future generations. My sincere thanks to His Excellency for his time and unwavering support for cricket.”
ICC engagement comes during a sensitive period
The meetings come against the backdrop of an ongoing governance transition in Sri Lankan cricket following the appointment of an interim committee earlier this year. The process has attracted attention because ICC regulations place significant emphasis on the independence of member boards and good governance standards.
Plans under discussion include constitutional reforms and a return to elected leadership once the transition process is completed. Friday’s meetings in Colombo highlighted the ICC’s continued engagement with those efforts while also reinforcing Sri Lanka’s strategic importance to the game’s future growth.
