Sri Lanka in crisis! President quits as mass resignations shake 2027 World Cup plans
Published - 29 Apr 2026, 01:11 PM | Updated - 29 Apr 2026, 01:27 PM
Mass resignation in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has put the nation’s cricket body in a great dilemma ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Through an official statement, the cricket governing body of Sri Lanka has informed that some of their top officials, including the President of SLC, have tendered their resignation from the post, which is effective from today, April 29.
Along with the President, bearers and members of the Executive Committee of the SLC have also submitted their resignations in a sudden development. Why they have decided to step down from their respective roles, it is not mentioned in the press release.
Sri Lanka Cricket issues an official statement
It is informed that the decision has been formally communicated to His Excellency, the President, and the Honorable Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of the government.
“The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Shammi Silva, has tendered his resignation from the post, effective today. Along with him, the office bearers and members of the Executive Committee of the SLC have also submitted their resignations,” the official statement released by the board reads.
It’s Official 🚨
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) April 29, 2026
The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Shammi Silva, has tendered his resignation from the
post, effective today. #sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #SLC pic.twitter.com/ithJMdofHU
Why do the officials step down from their respective positions?
“This decision has been formally communicated to His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Honorable Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage,” it continued.
The development of the mass resignation is reportedly because of mounting public pressure and ongoing allegations of financial irregularities. Amid the tumultuous situation inside the board, Shammi Silva met with the country's president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and discussed the situation. After the discussion, it is believed that the president of Sri Lanka, himself, might have requested Silva to take an exit from the board.
According to media reports, it is understood that to deal with the crisis, the government is now likely to appoint an interim committee.
“The government is now likely to appoint an interim committee, which will be headed by a former member of parliament, Eran Wickramaratne. Prominent former cricketers Sidath Wettimuny and Roshan Mahanama are also tipped to be given roles in the new set-up to fast-track reforms, though nothing has been made official yet,” ESPN claimed in their report.
A new governing body is yet to be appointed
The resignation of Silva marked the end of a long-standing regime. Shammi Silva took over the role back in 2019, replacing Thilanga Sumathipala, who was also alleged of corruption. Silva remained at the helm of the cricket governing body of Sri Lanka, winning four consecutive elections, three of which were uncontested.
During the regime of Silva, both the men’s and women’s national cricket teams of the nation became the winners of the Asia Cup titles. Apart from winning an Asia Cup title, the men’s cricket team suffered multiple setbacks, which pushed them deep in the ICC team rankings. In the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they were the co-host along with India, knocked out early from the competition. In the 2024 T20 WC too, they failed to impress. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, they finished 9th in the tournament.
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