Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup has stirred controversy, with chief selector Pramodaya Wickramasingha attributing it to an alleged “outside conspiracy.” Following their early exit from the tournament with a loss to New Zealand, Sri Lanka’s fate for the 2025 Champions Trophy now hangs in the balance.
Ranked ninth, their final position depends on the outcome of the last group game between India and the Netherlands on Sunday. As the cricket team returned home, Wickramasingha, a member of the 1996 World Cup-winning team, claimed, “Give me two days to disclose everything about it. This was the result of a conspiracy from outside.”
Taking responsibility, he expressed sadness over the situation. Sri Lanka faced challenges, including injuries to key players, leading to the inclusion of those initially not in the squad. Midway through the tournament, captaincy changes occurred, and their dismal performance against India, being dismissed for 56 runs, triggered severe backlash.
In response, the sports minister dismissed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), later reinstated by the court of appeal, exacerbating the crisis. A joint resolution in parliament, involving both the government and opposition, called for the SLC management’s resignation.
The government, divided over the minister’s decision, released a report recommending a new constitution for SLC with a revised voting structure for appointing office bearers. As Sri Lanka awaits the final World Cup rankings, the aftermath of the tumultuous campaign extends beyond the cricket field, sparking debates over governance and accountability in the sport.
The government proposed a new constitution for the cricket governing body, recommending a revamped voting structure for office bearers. The outcome of Sunday’s match between India and the Netherlands will determine Sri Lanka’s final position in the World Cup table, impacting their qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The situation remains uncertain as the cricketing nation grapples with both on-field disappointments and off-field controversies.
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