A senior International Cricket Council delegation, including ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and a top Board of Control for Cricket in India official, is expected to visit Sri Lanka as scrutiny grows around the country’s ongoing cricket governance transition, according to a report by PTI.
The expected visit follows the Sri Lankan government’s decision to install a nine-member interim structure to oversee Sri Lanka Cricket after the resignation of President Shammi Silva and the board’s executive committee. Sri Lankan Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has also publicly confirmed that ICC officials are expected to hold discussions in the country in the coming days.
ICC oversight intensifies around governance reforms
The ICC’s involvement carries added significance given its long-standing position against direct governmental interference in cricket administration. Sri Lanka Cricket has previously faced ICC sanctions over governance disputes, including a suspension in 2023 that resulted in the country losing hosting rights for the 2024 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup.
Reports surrounding the visit suggest ICC officials are expected to seek clarity around the authority and operational structure of the newly appointed committee overseeing the sport.
As previously reported by cricexec, the interim body is chaired by former Member of Parliament and investment banker Eran Wickramaratne and includes former Sri Lanka internationals Kumar Sangakkara, Roshan Mahanama and Sidath Wettimuny among its members. Shortly after the committee’s formation, Wickramaratne outlined its reform priorities. “Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” Wickramaratne said in a statement.
Transformation committee begins transition process
The committee has been tasked with managing cricket administration until fresh elections are conducted while simultaneously pursuing governance and constitutional reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket.
Its composition — combining former players, legal professionals and corporate executives — has been viewed as an attempt to balance cricket expertise with administrative credibility during a period of heightened ICC attention.
The developments come as Sri Lanka prepares for its next international assignment, with the men’s team scheduled to host the West Indies in a white-ball series beginning in June.
