Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is just two weeks away of getting a new administration, as the election to choose the office bearers for next two years is scheduled to take place on May 20.
If Covid permits (and there is no last minute master plan to halt the election), the battle to conquer the Maitland Place will be between ousted president Shammi Silva and former vice president K. Mathivanan. This year, 144 votes cast by regional associations and clubs (comprising four provincial associations, six other cricket associations such as the Defense Services Sports Board and the Sri Lanka University Sports Association, 22 district associations, 28 controlling clubs and 22 affiliated clubs) will decide the office bearers for Sri Lanka Cricket.
Even though Shammi’s previous term was marred by Covid crisis, he surprisingly emerged as a winner, looking after stakeholders, players, board employees, umpires, referees well being with sensitive approach during the difficult period, while also maintaining the financial stability of the board.
On the basis of Shammi Silva’s previous term performance, his camp expect nothing less than a thumping victory on May 20.
“He (Shammi) will be getting minimum of 130 votes. More than 95% stakeholders have already shown faith in our candidates and we are confident to return with a bang” a member of former SLC president camp told Cricket Age.
Mathivanan, meanwhile, still focus on the development of the game and opines that it’s the main motive for his team – comprising Sri Lanka’s first test captain Bandula Warnapura and former board secretary Nishantha Ranatunga – in coming forward.
“Well, I am not a fake astrologer, so I can’t predict how many votes I will be getting” Mathivanan, a stalwart of Sri Lanka cricket with a clean Image, told Cricket Age.
While stressing on his team (Big Three, as they calls themselves) ‘strategic plan’ to take Sri Lanka Cricket to greater heights in world cricket, Mathivanan emphasized on developing the game, Instead of his bank balance!
“Look, we are here to develop the game, not the pockets! The domestic structure need to be re-structured to ensure greater stability. Therefore, we are contesting the Election with a vision to develop cricket in the country” Mathivanan added.
Last month, as Shammi Silva’s committee term was over, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa had appointed a five member Cricket Management Committee until the elections of Sri Lanka Cricket is held. Professor Arjuna de Silva was appointed as the head of the committee.
Yesterday (May 6), Cricket Age had exclusively published that the agenda of the 20th May election is to choose 7 office bearers. Other Committees like tournament committee, umpires committee, tour organizing committee members and its chairman will be elected at the AGM. As per the Sports Law of the country and SLC constitution, once the secretary is in place, he will call the AGM.
“As there is no elected body at Maitland Place, the AGM can’t be held. In 2019 also, it was same when Mr. Shammi Silva led administration was elected on 21st February. Later, board AGM took place on May 20” a top SLC official had told Cricket Age.
The election circular has already been sent to stakeholders, while the board is likely to receive 2020-21 approved accounts from the Sports Ministry by Monday.
“We were supposed to get it this week itself. However, due to the worsening Covid crisis in the country, the Sports Ministry has been shut down. We are hopeful to get it by Monday” the top SLC official added.
