In a significant development for Sri Lankan cricket administration, Shammi Silva, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has resigned from his position with immediate effect. The announcement was made through an official statement released by SLC on Wednesday, confirming that not only Silva but also all office bearers and members of the Executive Committee had stepped down.
Resignation Details
The board stated, "The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Shammi Silva, has tendered his resignation from the post, effective today. Along with him, the office bearers and members of the Executive Committee of the SLC have also submitted their resignations." The resignations were formally communicated to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Silva's Tenure
Shammi Silva first became SLC president in 2019, replacing Thilanga Sumathipala. Over the years, he strengthened his position within the board and served four consecutive terms, with most of his elections going uncontested. During his time in charge, Sri Lanka enjoyed some success, including Asia Cup titles for both the men's and women's teams. However, the national side also struggled badly in major ICC tournaments.
According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka's men's team endured disappointing campaigns at the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups. The team's international rankings also declined during Silva's tenure. Even the recent appointment of Gary Kirsten as head coach failed to reduce growing criticism of the board and calls for administrative change.
Government Intervention
While SLC has not officially revealed the reason behind the mass resignations, the move marks one of the biggest changes in Sri Lankan cricket administration in recent years. Following the resignations, Sri Lanka's government has temporarily taken control of Sri Lanka Cricket, stating that the move is aimed at bringing "structural reforms" to the sport.
The decision came a day after the entire executive committee resigned following government intervention. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said, "All administrative functions of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, effective today." The government added that a new committee would soon be appointed "to address the current issues in cricket and implement structural reforms."
Background and Challenges
Sri Lanka Cricket has long faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement, while the national team recently suffered an early exit from the T20 World Cup. The mass resignation and subsequent government takeover represent a pivotal moment for the sport in the country, with hopes for a fresh start and improved governance.
