On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in Sri Lanka overturned the decision made by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to dismiss the national cricket board.
The court reinstated the previously removed officials, including the board's president, Shammi Silva, until a full hearing can take place in two weeks. The action was prompted by a petition filed by Silva, contesting the move to dissolve the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and establish an interim committee.
"The restoring of the board is for two weeks, when the court will hear the case again," a court official said.
According to a court official, the decision to reinstate the board is temporary, with a further hearing scheduled in two weeks. Silva is expected to return to his duties after obtaining an order that prevents the interim committee, led by former cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga, from continuing in their positions. In response to the ongoing issues within the cricket board, the government has formed a cabinet committee to address the 'unresolved issues.'
The dismissal of the cricket board by the sports minister came following Sri Lanka's elimination from the World Cup 2023 after their debilitating loss to India. After taking over on Monday, the country's 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjun Ranatunga, vowed to clean up the board and rebuild the national team.
"Sri Lanka Cricket had become known as the most corrupt institution in the country," Ranatunga said on Monday. "I want to change that image."
Sri Lanka's controversial loss vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka suffered a three-wicket loss to Bangladesh on Monday but the match was marred by a controversial incident involving Angelo Mathews, who was dismissed under the 'timed out' rule after delaying the game by taking an extended time to reach the crease and requesting a new helmet before facing the first ball.
Despite a tense atmosphere and hostility between the two teams, particularly towards Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, who endured the hostility, Bangladesh emerged victorious with an impressive performance, led by Shakib's 82 runs off 65 balls and a crucial partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, ultimately securing a win in the intense match.
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