Amidst the Sri Lanka cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, the secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Mohan de Silva, has tendered his resignation. This decision follows scathing criticism from the nation’s sports minister and highlights the unique oversight of the sports ministry over SLC, as is the case with other sports organizations in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s ODI World Cup journey took a disastrous turn, leading to their elimination from the semifinal race after a crushing 302-run defeat to India on November 2 in Mumbai. The Sports Minister had expressed his determination to seek answers from Sri Lanka Cricket regarding their poor showing.

Before the World Cup, Sri Lanka had shown promise by reaching the final of the Asia Cup 2023, where they defeated Pakistan. However, the final turned into a nightmare as they were bowled out for a mere 50 runs, with India’s Mohammed Siraj claiming six wickets.

Resignation Amidst World Cup Woes: SLC Secretary Steps Down

In the ODI World Cup, their campaign began on a bleak note with losses to South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia in their first three matches. They managed to revive their fortunes with victories over the Netherlands and the struggling defending champions, England.

In their subsequent match, Sri Lanka faced a defeat against Afghanistan before encountering India, who vividly brought back memories of their Asia Cup 2023 final defeat in Mumbai.

While chasing a target of 358, Sri Lanka’s hopes were quickly dashed in the first two overs as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj took three wickets. Mohammed Shami completed the rout, securing a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were bowled out for a mere 55.

The loss in this crucial match resulted in stern remarks from the sports ministry, which typically maintains a cooperative relationship with the cricket board. It’s worth noting that, according to ICC rules, the government is not permitted to directly interfere in cricket board matters, and this issue has been a point of contention between the sports ministry and SLC for some time.

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