Sports Minister gives ICC explanation on SLC

Sports Minister Faiszer Musthapha 

Sports Minister Faiszer Musthapha met with International Cricket Council Chairman Shashank Manohar at the ICC head office in Dubai yesterday in what were potentially crucial talks for Sri Lanka Cricket’s immediate future. Also present at the meeting were ICC CEO Dave Richardson, SLC Competent Authority Kamal Padmasiri, and SLC CEO Ashley De Silva.

In what the Sports Ministry termed “robust discussions” - the details of which were not disclosed - it is understood that Mustapha brought the ICC up to speed on the current administrative status of Sri Lanka cricket.

“Amidst robust discussions about the overall development of Sri Lanka Cricket, both internationally and locally, the Minister also took the opportunity to bring the ICC Chief up to speed on the current administrative status of Sri Lanka cricket,” stated a Ministry release.

SLC last week came under the control of the Sports Ministry via a Competent Authority headed by Ministry Secretary Padmasiri, as the term of the SLC Executive Committee had lapsed on 31 May after the postponement of elections by the Court of Appeal.

In the past, the ICC had not taken kindly to Government interference in cricketing affairs. In 2015, when the Government had appointed an interim committee, SLC had had its ICC voting rights suspended, while payments due to SLC were also held in escrow.

“[The minister] mentioned that due to a court order, the annual general meeting was not held and that, in order to ensure seamless operation, he took the initiative to appoint the current Secretary of Ministry of Provincial Councils, Local Governments and Sports Kamal Padmasiri as the competent authority,” continued the release.

 “At this meeting, the Minister emphasised that his only goal is to ensure that none of the work processes are broken down, and that the sport continues to thrive, so that the cricket-loving public and all stake holders of SLC continue to enjoy and appreciate the game.”

The release added that the ICC Chief “congratulated the Minister on his new role, and said he was looking forward for progressive discussions and solutions directed towards Sri Lanka Cricket in the future.”

Mustapha has previously assured that fresh elections will be held before 31 July. Meanwhile, the interim injunction staying elections is set to be taken up in court again on 14 June.