Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva says the International Cricket Council (ICC) has determined that no financial malpractice has taken place involving the SLC.

Addressing the media today (Nov 22), Shammi Silva said the ICC had investigated the report issued by Sri Lanka’s Auditor General on alleged financial malpractice by the SLC.

“The ICC through its auditing unit and relevant officials investigated the report and found that no financial malpractice has taken place at the hands of the SLC. The ICC has determined that there was no financial malpractice as claimed,” he said.

Giving details on the ICC’s recent meeting, the SLC President further revealed that discussing Sri Lanka’s cricket crisis, the ICC Board said this was complete political interference, including from the Parliament.

“A 45-minute discussion was held on Sri Lanka’s issue. I was placed as an observer during the meeting, where I was not permitted to be involved in the decision-making process, but only allowed to answer questions,” he said.

Shammi Silva went on to note that, however, the ICC had agreed to allow Sri Lanka to host and play bilateral and ICC tournaments despite the recent suspension.

“The ICC was clear on its rule stating that a suspended nation cannot host a tournament, due to which the Under-19 Cricket World Cup was moved to South Africa. However, upon requests from us, the ICC agreed that Sri Lanka has the right to host bilateral cricket tournaments and will be allowed to play both bilateral and ICC tournaments despite the ICC suspension,” he said.

Shammi Silva added that the ICC had agreed to issue controlled financing to the SLC, and had refrained from completely suspending funds, based on an appeal by the SLC in this regard.

“Therefore, we will be required to report every expenditure to them, sending bills back and forth to receive the funds for the specific payments from now onwards, he said.

(NewsWire)