Former Sri Lanka Player Duleep Mendis Is set to replace Graeme Labrooy as the chairman of selectors, Cricket Age reliably learns.
On May 15, The term Of Graeme Labrooy led selection committee will be completed and the new Sports Minister Faizer Mustapha is not eager to extend their term for another year.
According to sources, Thilanga Sumathipala, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) was not impressed with Labrooy ‘multitasking’ as he was functioning as the ICC match referee at the same time.
However, the Appointment of Duleep Mendis is Largely due to Upcoming SLC Election. After much drama over the last few weeks, SLC has finally announced the board election on May 31.
Duleep Mendis has been considered as a close associate of Jayantha Dharmadasa, the former president of SLC. Interestingly, until May 2017, Dharmadasa had been associated with Sumathipala Camp as Vice president of SLC. However, before the Indian tour last year, they parted ways and now Dharmadasa is supporting the opposite Camp.
“This is a master stroke by Mr. Sumathipala to Counter Dharmadasa Camp, as Duleep Mendis considered as Loyal to Dharmadasa” A Top SLC Official told Cricket Age.
Mendis, an attacking right handed batsman of his time, played 24 tests and 79 ODIs for Sri Lanka. Currently, he has been associated with Oman Team as Head Coach.
