Sports Minister Gamage Says Talks With ICC Ongoing on Sri Lanka Cricket Reform

Sri Lanka’s poor showing at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has prompted the nation’s Sports Minister, Sunil Kumara Gamage, to hint at a significant revamp of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), including the possible appointment of an interim committee to supervise the board’s administration. The announcement comes amid rising public dissatisfaction after the hosts failed to win a single Super Eight match and were eliminated early from the tournament.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Gamage confirmed that discussions are underway with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about entrusting SLC’s administration to an interim body tasked with “rebuilding” the sport in Sri Lanka. The minister emphasised that any change would be coordinated with the ICC to avoid the risk of sanctions, recalling the council’s past suspension of Sri Lanka’s membership over perceived government interference.

The current SLC chairman, Shammi Silva, whose tenure runs through May 2027, has been the target of intense criticism following the team’s subpar results. Public protests have taken place outside SLC headquarters demanding his resignation, reflecting growing frustration among fans and stakeholders over the direction of national cricket.

Also Read: Matt Henry Celebrates New Zealand’s T20 Final Entry With Son’s Birth

Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign was marked by losses against Zimbabwe, England, New Zealand and Pakistan, with performances deemed below expectations for a side that had previously won the 2014 T20 World Cup and reached finals in subsequent editions. The disappointing outcomes at home soil intensified calls for structural and leadership changes within the cricket establishment.

Minister Gamage indicated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is also actively involved in the talks with the ICC, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring Sri Lanka’s cricketing fortunes. He acknowledged the need to renew and strengthen the sport to its previous international standing, emphasising that the focus should be on long-term development rather than short-term fixes.

The minister also appealed to the public to temper criticism of the players themselves, noting that undue negativity can harm morale and performance. Captain Dasun Shanaka and senior team members have already expressed concerns over harsh public responses, urging more constructive support during the rebuilding phase.

Also Read: Dinesh Karthik Criticizes England Legends Following Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Exit