Shammi Silva set to step down as Sri Lanka Cricket president amid government-led transition

Published - 27 Apr 2026, 23:46 IST | Updated - 27 Apr 2026, 23:46 IST

Administrative changes appear imminent at Sri Lanka Cricket, with long-serving president Shammi Silva set to step down from his role. In his place, government nominee Eran Wickramaratne is expected to take charge in an interim capacity as part of a broader restructuring effort within the board.

Silva, who has been at the top position since 2019, is likely to vacate the position following an executive committee meeting scheduled on Tuesday, April 28. While a section of the committee is reportedly keen to complete its term, sources indicate that resistance may hold little weight, with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally overseeing the transition.

As per the country’s Sports Law of 1973, the Sports Minister has the authority to dissolve sports federations. However, such intervention in an elected board could raise concerns under International Cricket Council regulations.

Reports suggest that the ICC has been informed, with assurances of fresh elections in the near future. A similar administrative reshuffle has been observed at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, though there are no immediate indications of ICC intervention in either case.

Local reports link the move to the national team’s recent struggles, including their early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Allegations of corruption have also surfaced, although no formal charges have been established.

"They have hosted the World Cup successfully, which has boosted the coffers. They are also set to host another ICC event in 2029. There has to be some publicly substantiated charge of corruption. I don't know how the ICC will react to this change. I would expect them to insist on fresh elections within six months," one of the former SLC presidents said according to Cricbuzz.

Notably, Silva had previously been removed from office following Sri Lanka’s poor showing at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which led to an ICC suspension of SLC and relocation of the Under-19 World Cup. He later returned to power after winning the March 2025 elections, but his tenure now appears set to conclude with a year still remaining.