A controversy emerged after reports claimed that ICC Chairman Jay Shah had issued an ultimatum to Sri Lanka over the upcoming Sri Lanka Cricket elections during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The claims raised questions about the ICC's involvement in Sri Lanka's cricket administration.
Sri Lanka's President's Media Division quickly denied the reports, calling them false and misleading. The PMD stated that no ultimatum was issued during the meeting and clarified that discussions focused on cricket development, infrastructure projects, and future cooperation between the ICC and Sri Lanka.
Daily Mirror Report Sparks Jay Shah-Sri Lanka Cricket Election Controversy
The controversy began after Sri Lankan newspaper Daily Mirror published a report about the future of SLC's administration. The report claimed that ICC Chairman Jay Shah had warned Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that SLC must hold its executive elections before July 31.
According to the report, failure to conduct the elections within the deadline could lead to Sri Lanka facing sanctions from the ICC, including the possibility of being blacklisted. The newspaper carried the story under the headline: "Hold SLC Elections or Get Blacklisted, ICC Informs President AKD."
Sri Lankan Government Denies ICC Ultimatum, Seeks Retraction of Report
The President's Media Division rejected the claims and said the meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and ICC Chairman Jay Shah focused on cricket development and future cooperation.
According to the statement, the discussions covered grassroots cricket, youth development programs, sports infrastructure, and creating more opportunities for young players across Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan officials also informed Jay Shah about the government's ongoing cricket governance reforms.
The administration plans to complete constitutional changes before conducting elections so that the next elected body can operate under a stronger and more stable framework. Following the meeting, Sri Lanka Cricket released a statement outlining the reform process.
"Sri Lanka Cricket shared indicative timelines for the completion of the reform process and the return to governance by a duly elected administration in accordance with the applicable legal and constitutional framework."
The government has called on the Daily Mirror to retract and correct the report in both its print and digital editions. Officials from both sides also stated that no threats, election deadlines, or possible sanctions were discussed during the meeting.
It Was a Privilege to Meet Anura Kumara Dissanayake - Jay Shah
Jay Shah shared details of the meeting through a post on X. Shah said that he met Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss the future of cricket in the country, with a strong focus on grassroots development, youth programs, and opportunities for emerging players.
"It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @anuradisanayake today and discuss the current status of cricket in Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on increasing opportunities for emerging players, supporting grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging cricket as a vehicle for social impact and economic growth."
"We also exchanged views on the role Sri Lanka continues to play in hosting major international events and contributing to the global development of our sport. Sri Lanka holds a special place in the history of cricket, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further strengthen the game and create new opportunities for future generations."
