Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is ushering in a new era with the formation of a revamped ‘Cricket Selection Committee,’ aimed at steering the national teams toward success. This move follows the recent suspension of SLC by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to allegations of corruption and government interference.
The newly appointed committee, effective for a two-year term, was announced by the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando. The selection committee comprises:
- Upul Tharanga (Chairman)
- Ajantha Mendis (Member)
- Indika De Saram (Member)
- Tharanga Paranavitana (Member)
- Dilruwan Perera (Member)
These appointments were made in consideration of the nominations put forth by Sri Lanka Cricket. The immediate task assigned to the committee is the selection of the national squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka in 2024.
Why new selection committee in Sri Lanka Cricket?
The genesis of this restructuring lies in the controversy surrounding SLC‘s administration, leading to its suspension by the ICC. Harin Fernando’s decision to overturn the sacking of the cricket board, initiated by his predecessor Roshan Ranasinghe, is a strategic move to address the allegations of corruption and interference in the board’s affairs.
Ranasinghe’s sacking of the elected board in November, citing gross corruption, prompted the ICC to impose sanctions on Sri Lanka Cricket. The board’s failure to prevent political interference was a key factor in the suspension.
Harin Fernando’s reversal of Ranasinghe’s decision is a significant step toward regaining the ICC’s trust and lifting the sanctions on the board. Fernando has also sought the ICC’s input on an audit report investigating alleged corruption during the T20 World Cup in Australia last year.
The tumultuous events not only affected Sri Lanka’s standing in international cricket but also cost the country the hosting rights for the Under-19 World Cup, which has now been relocated to South Africa.
The newly appointed Cricket Selection Committee holds the responsibility of steering Sri Lanka’s cricketing destiny, starting with the crucial task of team selection for the Zimbabwe Tour. As the nation aims for a cricketing revival, the committee’s decisions will be closely watched, and the focus is on ushering in an era of transparency, accountability, and success on the field.
