Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has revealed that discussions are currently underway with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding possible reforms to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). A final decision is expected within the coming week, as the government seeks to avoid the risk of sanctions from the ICC.

Speaking on the matter, Minister Gamage confirmed that options such as appointing an interim committee or a competent authority are being considered. He noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka is directly involved in the talks, underscoring the government’s determination to restore credibility and raise cricketing standards in the country.

The announcement follows comments made by Minister Nalinda Jayathissa, who stated that the government will soon take decisive action on the legal and administrative framework of SLC.

Sri Lanka Cricket has faced mounting criticism after the men’s national team failed to qualify for the semi‑finals of the recently concluded T20 World Cup, co‑hosted by Sri Lanka and India. The disappointment adds to a troubling record: the team has now gone 12 years without reaching the semi‑finals of any ICC tournament, a stark contrast to its former reputation as a consistent global contender.

South Africa’s long wait for an ICC trophy continued as they suffered another heartbreaking exit, this time at the hands of New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai on Wednesday. The Proteas, who had finished runners-up in the last edition, were outplayed by nine wickets in a contest that highlighted both their misfortune and New Zealand’s ruthless efficiency.

Batting first, South Africa managed 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. Captain Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock fell cheaply, leaving the middle order under pressure. Dewald Brevis showed promise with a fluent 34, while Tristan Stubbs added 29. The standout was Marco Jansen, who smashed an unbeaten 55 off just 30 balls, lifting the total to a competitive score. Yet, frequent wickets at crucial stages meant South Africa never truly seized momentum.

New Zealand’s reply was nothing short of brutal. Finn Allen launched a stunning assault, hammering 100 off just 33 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes. Tim Seifert’s 58 ensured the chase was never in doubt, and the Black Caps cruised home in just 12.5 overs. South Africa’s bowlers, including Jansen and Bosch, were taken apart, with economy rates soaring above 11.

Former Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake has admitted that his decision in 2015 to cancel the Sri Lanka Cricket elections and appoint an Interim Committee was a serious mistake. The move, which blocked Nishantha Ranatunga from becoming president, has long been debated in cricketing circles, and Dissanayake’s recent reflection has reignited discussion about missed opportunities in the sport’s governance.

In a candid post on X, Dissanayake acknowledged that he should have supported Ranatunga, who served as SLC Secretary from 2009 to 2015. That period is widely regarded as one of the most successful eras in Sri Lankan cricket, with the national team reaching multiple finals and securing major titles. “In hindsight I should have backed Nishantha and ensured he won the election without problems with the ICC,” Dissanayake wrote, admitting regret over his decision. He revealed that despite warnings from advisors that the International Cricket Council would not approve an Interim Committee, he went ahead with the appointment, leading to two years of negotiations over reforms. He also pointed to political interference at the time, saying the environment did not allow him to support Ranatunga’s election.

Ranatunga’s tenure as Secretary coincided with a golden run for Sri Lanka. Between 2009 and 2015, the team reached the finals of the 2009 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2012 T20 World Cup, before finally clinching the 2014 T20 World Cup and the 2014 Asia Cup. Serving under presidents DS de Silva, Upali Dharmadasa, and Jayantha Dharmadasa, Ranatunga was credited with a steady and effective administrative role that helped guide the team through this remarkable period.

Dissanayake’s admission comes at a time when Sri Lankan cricket is once again under scrutiny, following a disastrous campaign at the ongoing T20 World Cup. His remarks have reopened old wounds and revived questions about what might have been had Ranatunga been elected in 2015. With the sport facing another crossroads, the former minister’s reflection underscores the long-standing challenges of governance and political interference in cricket administration, and the lingering sense of opportunities lost.