"Jay Shah Is Powerful Only Because Of Amit Shah, He Can't Run Sri Lanka Cricket.."- Arjun Ranatunga

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga made a controversial statement that BCCI secretary Jay Shah is ruining Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Arjuna Ranatunga also blamed BCCI for interfering with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.

Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket was suspended by the ICC due to interference in the board’s activities by their government. This comes after Sri Lanka showed a poor performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, finishing in the 9th spot in the points table.

Also Read: ICC Suspends Sri Lanka Cricket’s Membership

Jay Shah Is Ruining Sri Lanka Cricket: Arjuna Ranatunga

While speaking to Sri Lanka newspaper Daily Mirror, former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga said that BCCI secretary Jay Shah is ruining Sri Lanka cricket.

“Jay Shah is running Sri Lanka Cricket. SLC is being ruined because of pressure from Jay Shah. One man in India is ruining Sri Lankan cricket. Because of the connection between SLC officials and Jay Shah, they (the BCCI) are under the impression that they can trample and control SLC. He is only powerful because of his father, who is India’s home Minister”, Arjuna Ranatuna said.

Recently, Sri Lanka sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe suspended the Sri Lanka Cricket Board after the team’s poor show in the ICC World Cup 2023. He appointed a 7-member committee under Arjuna Ranatunga to lead the SLC activities. However, the Sri Lankan courts put a stay order on the decision and reinstated the board.

This did not go well with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which does not accept the government’s interference in Cricket Boards. As a result, ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect. Therefore, Sri Lanka cannot play bilateral series with any ICC member nations till the ban is lifted.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Chief Selector Alleges ‘Outside Conspiracy’ As The Reason Behind Poor World Cup Performance

Sri Lanka Fails To Qualify For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka executed a miserable show in the ICC World Cup 2023. They won just 2 games and lost 7 out of 9 during the league stage. Sri Lanka also lost to teams like Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Their two wins arrived against England and the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka faced a big jolt in the clash against India, where they were bowled out for just 55 runs to face a humiliating defeat by 302 runs at Wankhede Stadium. Finishing in the 9th spot in the points table, Sri Lanka has failed to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.