IN AN ESCALATION of governance issues in Sri Lankan cricket, the Sri Lankan government has temporarily taken control of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the mass resignation of its president Shammi Silva and the entire executive committee. The move marks one of the most significant state interventions in cricket administration in recent years and raises fresh concerns about political interference in the sport.
On April 29, 2026, the Sri Lankan government announced that all administrative functions of SLC will be brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This takeover is described as a temporary measure aimed at implementing structural reforms in the board. The decision came immediately after the resignation of SLC’s leadership, including president Shammi Silva and the executive committee.
The Sports Ministry confirmed that it is acting under powers granted by Sri Lanka’s Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, enabling it to assume control in such situations. While no official reason was publicly disclosed, multiple factors contributed to mounting pressure: allegations of mismanagement and corruption; poor on-field performance; government pressure; player dissatisfaction.
The government will appoint an interim committee to run SLC operations and address governance issues. The committee is expected to investigate administrative lapses, introduce structural and governance reforms, and stabilise cricket operations in the short term.
This move could trigger serious consequences at the global level as the International Cricket Council (ICC) previously suspended Sri Lanka in 2023 for political interference. Direct government control of cricket boards violates ICC norms, which require independent administration. A repeat suspension could impact Sri Lanka’s participation in international cricket, funding and development programs, and hosting rights for global events.
