The inaugural edition of Dubai T10 league in 2017 has already damaged Sri Lanka Cricket’s reputation beyond imagination, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned island’s several high profile former players, most notably Avishka Gunawardene, Dilhara Lokuhettige and Nuwan Zoysa.
However, as all former players – Avishka, Dilhara Lokuhettige and Nuwan – denied of any wrongdoings and challenged ICC verdict, gradually, it became evident that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) had not followed proper procedure in sending the team for the said league.
Now, a fresh document related to T10 league (a correspondence letter between SLC and T10 league owner) reveals some more shocking details. The letter suggests that SLC CEO Ashley De Silva was directly corresponding with T10 league owner Shaji Ul Milk. In first stance, Ashley correspondence with Shaji looks appropriate.
However, when Cricket Age inquired further in the matter, it emerged that Ashley had not followed SLC proper procedure.
First, the team for T10 league in 2017, led by Dinesh Chandimal, was not selected by then chief selector Graeme Labrooy or any of his colleagues.
Secondly, and more shockingly, the team was also not approved by then Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara. In Sri Lanka, every squad needs Sports Minister’s approval.
For the T10 league, however, Ashley De Silva had sent a team without Sports Minister’s approval and without involving board’s national selectors in finalizing the team.
in this scenario, the legality of team sent by SLC automatically comes under scanner. moreover, also, SLC, then, has no right to suspend Avishka and Nuwan, if they were not representing an authorized team the board.
It is noteworthy that even after more than nine months, the SLC is unable to provide T10 documents to Avishka Gunawardene, as per his demand, in order to prepare himself for the ICC hearing.
The involvement of Ashley De Silva itself makes entire scenario suspicious. Probably the most incompetent CEO in World Cricket, Ashley is good for nothing, except for pressurizing SLC administrators for salary increments time and again!
In this scenario, the onus is on Sports Minister, to order for fresh investigation, in order to provide a chance to country’s three former players – Avishka Gunawardene, Dilhara Lokuhettige and Nuwan Zoysa – for a fair hearing at ICC!
