Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Roshan Ranasinghe has written to the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Greg Barclay, pertaining to recent media reports claiming that a committee has been appointed to investigate Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Issuing a release in this regard, the Ministry noted that Ranasinghe had written to Barclay, requesting a discussion on media reports claiming that the ICC has appointed a three-member committee to investigate into the alleged political interference within SLC.

The statement further noted that in his letter, the Minister assured that he shared the same ideals as the ICC on the fact that the SLC should remain independent, adding that other registered national sports bodies too, should be devoid of political interference.

Moreover, Minster Ranasinghe stated that it is essential that all sports teams and organizations within the country act in accordance with a certain standard, in light of the fact that they are also subjected to the conditions and regulations of international organizations.

Fifa has stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup.

The decision follows the cancellation of the official draw for the tournament, which was due to be held in Bali last Friday.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said Fifa was forced to cancel the draw after Bali’s governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team.

The U20 World Cup is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June.

Indonesia does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Israel and recently protesters have held marches demanding Israel be stopped from competing in the tournament, in support of Palestine.

Indonesia were awarded hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified for the tournament. England’s U20 team is also set to compete.

“Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the Fifa U20 World Cup 2023,” a Fifa statement said.

“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”

Half an hour before Fifa’s announcement, PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga said he was “very pessimistic” about Indonesia keeping the hosting rights.

“If we make political requirements in sports, it’ll always be like this. We will be exiled from the football ecosystem.

“It’s very tough for all of us. We’re headed into a calamity in sports. We have to separate football or sports and politics.”

(BBC News)

Sudath Chandrasekara, Senior Advisor to the Sports Minister, has informed Arjuna Ranatunga in writing yesterday (29) to resign immediately from the post of Chairman of the National Sports Council.

Meanwhile, it was reported that no member of the National Sports Council has participated in a Council meeting which was scheduled at 2.00 pm yesterday through Zoom technology.

It was said that Mr. Chandrasekara’s letter addressed to Mr. Ranatunga stated that they will no longer accept him as the chairman of the National Sports Council.