SLC vs Arjuna Ranatunga: SLC demand 44cr in defamation case for 'fake and derogatory statement'

SLC vs Arjuna Ranatunga: Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) have officially filed a lawsuit against their former captain Arjuna Ranatunga for defamation and fake remarks. Ranatunga was caught in a controversy for his comments on SLC’s Executive Committee following their failure to retain the Asia Cup hosting rights. Sri Lanka were set to host the tournament, but amid the socio-economic crisis, organisers Asian Cricket Council decided to shift the tournament to UAE. Follow Asia Cup 2022 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN

Also Read: Asia CUP 2022 LIVE: SriLanka Cricket hosting rights in trouble, Government not allowing local officials to travel to UAE, SLC yet to announce SriLanka team: Follow LIVE UPDATES

SLC vs Arjuna Ranatunga: Sri Lanka Cricket initiates 44cr defamation lawsuit against World Cup winning captain for ‘fake and derogatory statement’ – Check out

The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to take appropriate legal action against former captain Arjuna Ranatunga for making false and derogatory statements. The SLC said in a statement that they have sent Letters of Demand (LOD) for LKR 2 Billion (approx Rs 44 crore) to Ranatunga, the newly-appointed chairman of the National Sports Council.

The SLC in a statement said the SLC Executive Committee at an emergency meeting held on Monday decided to take legal action against the former World Cup-winning cricket captain after extensively deliberating on the “false, derogatory and distorted statement” made by Ranatunga during a recent media interview.

The Statement said Ranatunga “has spoken with malicious intent, damaging the goodwill and reputation of the SLC and have deliberately made public comments by making false and defamatory accusations against the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.”

SLC vs Arjuna Ranatunga: Sri Lanka Cricket initiates 44cr defamation lawsuit against World Cup winning captain for ‘fake and derogatory statement’ – Check out

With less than two weeks to go for Asia Cup, Sri Lanka’s hosting rights are in jeopardy. The Asian Cricket Council shifted the tournament out of Sri Lanka due to political unrest in the nation. But the Sri Lankan government isn’t happy with the decision as they feel Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) hasn’t done enough to retain the tournament.

As per a Sunday Times Sri Lanka report, an opposition MP questioned the decision to shift Asia Cup 2022 out of Sri Lanka. Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and Chairman of the National Sports Council Arjuna Ranatunga backed the position.

“These are wild allegations to bring discredit to the institution with ulterior motives. It is very unfortunate to see responsible people who represent the masses of our country talking without verifying facts and misleading the general public,” SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva was quoted by Sunday Times.

SLC vs Arjuna Ranatunga: Sri Lanka Cricket initiates 44cr defamation lawsuit against World Cup winning captain for ‘fake and derogatory statement’ – Check out

However, the miffed Sri Lankan government even wrote to ACC Secretary Jay Shah, asking why the tournament was shifted out. Shah then responded to the email, explaining the situation and official broadcaster Star Sports’ reservations.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Sri Lanka is currently not favourable to garner the confidence of key stakeholders of ACC for such an important multi-team tournament,” ACC President Jay Shah wrote to SLC chief Shammi Silva.

Furthermore, the SLC is yet to announce the squad for Asia Cup. Sri Lanka are supposed to face Afghanistan in the first match on August 27. But despite crossing the deadline on August 8, there has been no announcement. As per reports, the Sri Lankans sports ministry hasn’t approved the team.