The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has demanded President Ranil Wickremesinghe's assurance to ensure that there would not be any political interference in the country's cricket-related matters.
SLC, the sport's governing body in the island nation, sought the President's assurance before approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request the global governing body of cricket to lift the suspension it imposed.
The request from the head of SLC came on Saturday, hours after the Sports Minister also vowed to appeal to the ICC against suspension which he claimed was illegal.
On Saturday, SLC Chairman Shammi Silva told the media that he is planning to meet the ICC on November 21 but he needs assurance from the political front.
He also warned that there is a danger of losing at least $50 million if the ICC ban is not lifted.
He also cautioned that the ban would affect the chances of hosting the U19 Cricket World Cup in January and the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sri Lanka next year. Silva said that plans were also underway to co-host the T20 World Cup in 2026 together with India.
"The ICC needs a certain level of assurance that the government of Sri Lanka would support these endeavours," the SLC chairman said.
"They don't have that confidence anymore. The AGM has already been cancelled, and I don’t know what will happen to the U19 World Cup," Shammi Silva added.
If the U19 tournament is cancelled, financially burdened Sri
Lanka is also to lose another $2.4 million ICC grant to develop local venues, SLC officials said.
Meanwhile, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe on Saturday said he would appeal to the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee as it was illegal and acted maliciously without giving an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Minister Ranasinghe reiterated that if he fails to get redress from the ICC's DRC, he would go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
Supported by the Sports Minister and both the government and opposition, Sri Lankan lawmakers on Thursday sacked the top officials of the island nation's Cricket Board, claiming it was extremely corrupt and siphoning funds.
The 225-member Parliament, in a resolution, removed the cricket board, a day after it obtained an order from court to suspend Minister's appointment of an Interim Committee to run the affairs of the cricket's governing body.
Gukesh wins Candidates tournament, becomes the challenger for world title
Seventeen-year-old Indian chess Grandmaster D. Gukesh on Monday became the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates tournament and to become the challenger for the world chess title.
IPL 2024: Iyer, Salt, Russell star as KKR survive Karn scare to beat RCB by one run
With 21 runs needed off the final over, Karn sliced Starc over backward point for six and survived a caught-behind appeal on the very next ball. Karn stayed deep in the crease and smacked Starc for sixes over extra cover and backward point.
IPL 2024: Jos Buttler’s century outshines Virat Kohli’s ton as RR beat RCB by six wickets
Opener Jos Buttler announced his return to form in his 100th IPL match with a magnificent 58-ball century as he outshined Virat Kohli’s ton to help Rajasthan Royals make it four wins from four matches at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday.
IPL 2024: Virat Kohli's unbeaten 113 lifts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 183/3
Talismanic batter Virat Kohli brought out his vintage self to slam his eighth Indian Premier League (IPL) century and ninth overall in T20 cricket to lift Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a competitive 183/3 in 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday evening.
IPL 2024: Quinton de Kock's 81, Pooran's 40 off 21 help LSG post 181/5 against RCB
Opener Quinton de Kock hammered a 56-ball 81 but Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled things back in the death overs to restrict Lucknow Super Giants to in Match 15 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Tuesday.
IPL 2024: BCCI reschedules KKR vs RR, GT vs DC matches
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the rescheduling of two Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches -- swapping the dates of the Kolkata Knight Riders versus Rajasthan Royals and that between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.
IPL 2024: Mohit Sharma picks three as bowlers help Gujarat restrict Hyderabad to 162/8
Veteran fast-bowler Mohit Sharma picked a brilliant 3-25 to lead a good bowling show for the Gujarat Titans in restricting Sunrisers Hyderabad to 162/8 in 20 overs of the IPL 2024 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.
IPL 2024: It's just a lot more comfortable batting at the top, says Rachin Ravindra on opening role for CSK
Rachin Ravindra has slowly emerged as a fan favourite of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters, thanks to his eye-catchy strokes in the power-play, coming at a strike rate of 237.14. The New Zealand all-rounder, who’s stepped into the role of an injured Devon Conway, said being an opener is just about being a lot more comfortable at the top and is close to unlocking his potential in that position.