After a significant loss to India in the World Cup, Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has decided to dismiss the national cricket board. This move comes after months of conflict between Ranasinghe and Sri Lanka Cricket, the country’s wealthiest sports organization, over allegations of extensive corruption.
As part of this decision, Arjuna Ranatunga, who captained Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 World Cup, has been appointed as the chairman of a new interim board, according to a statement from Ranasinghe’s office. The statement explained, “Sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe has formed an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket.”
Previously, Ranasinghe had written to the full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has rules against political interference in the sport, seeking their understanding and support.
In his letters, which were released to Sri Lankan media, Ranasinghe cited numerous complaints against Sri Lanka Cricket, including player disciplinary issues, management corruption, financial misconduct, and match-fixing allegations.
Delhi’s Air Pollution Threatens ICC World Cup 2023 Match Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
The air pollution crisis in Delhi poses a risk to the World Cup 2023 cricket match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as the city’s hazardous air quality could affect the players’ health.
Sri Lanka decided to cancel their training session in India’s capital, Delhi, due to the engulfing toxic smog just days before their scheduled match against Bangladesh. Delhi is consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with its annual smog problem being held responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year.
On Saturday, Delhi again claimed the unfortunate title of having the most polluted air in the world, according to monitoring firm IQAir.
An official from the local cricket association in Delhi confirmed that Sri Lanka had canceled their training session, but the reason for the cancellation was not disclosed.
This move came a day after Bangladesh also called off their own training session in Delhi, citing health risks associated with the smog. Some players have developed coughing, raising concerns about their health.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring Delhi’s air quality and stated that they take the well-being of all participants seriously ahead of Monday’s match. They are seeking expert advice to assess the situation.
