COLOMBO – September 29, 2026 – A significant legislative stride towards reforming the administration and governance of cricket in Sri Lanka was announced yesterday with the gazetting of a new Bill. Titled “72/2026 — Sri Lanka Cricket – GS,” this comprehensive Bill aims to establish a robust framework for the sport, emphasizing good governance, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Issued as a Supplement to The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on September 28, 2026, the proposed legislation seeks to create a new “Sri Lanka Cricket” body that will serve as the sole authority for controlling, regulating, promoting, developing, and administering cricket across all levels in the nation.
Key Objectives and Establishment of the New SLC
The Bill outlines the establishment of Sri Lanka Cricket as a body corporate with perpetual succession, mandated to uphold the highest standards in the sport. Its core objects include:
- Adhering to the membership obligations and decisions of international bodies such as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
- Controlling, governing, regulating, promoting, developing, and administering cricket at all levels, from international to school-level.
- Fostering participation by players, clubs, schools, and all stakeholders.
- Implementing and enforcing policies that ensure good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
- Safeguarding player welfare and protecting the sport from corruption, doping, discrimination, and age fraud.
- Undertaking corporate social responsibility, charitable, educational, and environmental initiatives for cricket’s development and accessibility.
The proposed legislation, ordered to be published by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, signals a decisive move to professionalize and modernize cricket administration in the country.
A Transformed Governance Structure for Sri Lanka Cricket
Central to the Bill is the constitution of a new Board of Directors for Sri Lanka Cricket, which will comprise a mix of Independent Directors and Elected Directors. The Board will be responsible for the overall administration, governance, and control of the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket.
- Independent Directors: Seven individuals will be nominated by a dedicated Nomination Committee and appointed by the Board. These include a Chartered Accountant, an Attorney-at-Law, a former international cricketer, an IT Professional, a marketing expert, and two other persons with unblemished reputations and extensive experience in relevant fields. Significantly, at least two Independent Directors must be women.
- Elected Directors: Seven members will be elected by the voting members of Sri Lanka Cricket at general meetings.
The Chairperson of the Board will be elected from among the Independent Directors, and the Deputy Chairperson from among the Elected Directors.
Strengthening Integrity and Accountability
The Bill introduces stringent disqualification criteria for both Independent and Elected Directors, aiming to enhance the integrity of the board. Individuals holding political office, employees of Sri Lanka Cricket, journalists, agents of cricketers, those with interests in betting or gaming, and individuals convicted of moral turpitude or previously removed for misconduct, are all barred from serving. This move is expected to significantly de-politicize and professionalize the governance of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Term limits are also a key feature, with Independent Directors serving a four-year term, eligible for re-appointment for only one further term. Elected Directors are subject to an aggregate service period not exceeding eight years during their lifetime, ensuring fresh perspectives and preventing entrenched interests.
A host of specialized committees will be appointed by the Board, including:
- Cricket Committee
- Finance, Audit and Investment Committee
- National Men’s and Women’s Selection Committees
- Disciplinary and Disputes Committee (comprising independent persons)
- Governance and Integrity Committee
- Women’s Cricket Committee and Schools Cricket Committee
These committees are designed to oversee various aspects of cricket, from player selection and financial management to dispute resolution and grassroots development.
Membership and Tournament Structure
The Bill categorizes members of Sri Lanka Cricket into Tier “A”, Tier “B”, Tier “C”, Provincial Cricket Associations, and General members, each with specific eligibility criteria, terms, and voting rights. Tier “A” members will have two votes, while Tier “B” and Provincial Cricket Associations will have one vote each, subject to compliance with the Act’s provisions. Tier “C” members are permitted to attend general meetings as observers only, without voting rights.
The Board is empowered to specify the Tournament Structure of Sri Lanka Cricket by rules, ensuring a clear pathway for competition and development.
Financial Oversight and Ministerial Powers
Sri Lanka Cricket will operate its own Fund, with all income and expenditure subject to the provisions of the Act. The accounts will be audited in accordance with Article 154 of the Constitution, providing robust financial oversight. The Act also mandates the appointment of a Compliance Officer who will report directly to the Board and certify compliance with legal requirements in every Annual Report.
Furthermore, the Minister assigned the subject of Sports retains an oversight role, with powers to request information, order audits by the Auditor-General, and initiate inquiries into allegations of corruption, fraud, or financial irregularity. This ministerial oversight mechanism aims to act as a crucial check and balance.
Looking Ahead: The Transition
The Bill also includes transitional provisions, stipulating that the existing “Predecessor Body” (the current National Association of Sports relating to Cricket) will cease to operate. All assets, liabilities, contracts, and legal proceedings will be transferred to the new Sri Lanka Cricket. An “Incumbent Board” (the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee) will exercise powers until the First Board, appointed under the new Act, commences its term of office. This interim body is tasked with making necessary rules for proper governance and administration during the transition phase.
This new Bill, upon enactment, is expected to usher in a new era for Sri Lankan cricket, fostering an environment of professionalism, fairness, and sustained growth.
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