Sri Lanka says ICC withholding money over dispute is illegal
Sri Lanka’s cricket authority said Tuesday it is shocked by the governing body ICC’s decision to withhold a financial grant because of a dispute over the government’s appointment of an interim committee to run the sport in the country instead of holding an election.
Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva said in a letter to International Cricket Council’s Chief Executive David Richardson that withholding the funds will cause grave damage to cricket in Sri Lanka. He said the funds were due from last year’s World T20 championship and this year’s World Cup and withholding them was illegal and a breach of agreements between the two bodies.
Sri Lanka’s government appointed the committee in March headed by former test opener Sidath Wettimuny. Sri Lanka’s newly elected government said it wants to investigate corruption allegations against the previous cricket administration.
But the ICC said not holding an election appeared to be a breach of its constitution and that appointing an interim committee was government interference. The council also said it plans to write to Sri Lanka’s sports minister seeking an explanation.
However, the sports ministry has said it has still not received any such request from the ICC, according to the SLC letter.
(AP / Pix by AFP)
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Don’t worry Dear Minister, if it is illegal go to Courts as per your Boss advocates to the Opposition. Appeal to the International Criminal Courts. Ask for a BIG ransom. You are sure to win.