In the aftermath of a resounding defeat to hosts India in the ongoing 2023 World Cup, Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe took decisive action on Monday, dismissing the entire Sri Lanka Cricket board. The national team’s staggering 302-run loss in Mumbai on November 2 led to a surge of public discontent, with calls for the resignation of the Shammi Silva-led administration reaching a fever pitch. This outcry prompted numerous demonstrations outside the Sri Lanka Cricket premises, demanding a change in leadership.

In response, Ranasinghe promptly appointed an interim seven-member committee, with former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga at the helm. This committee was formed under the authority of Sports Law No. 25 of 1973. For months, Ranasinghe has been embroiled in a contentious battle with Sri Lanka Cricket, the country’s wealthiest sports organization, over allegations of widespread corruption.

“Sri Lanka Cricket has faced a barrage of complaints, ranging from player disciplinary issues to management corruption, financial impropriety, and match-fixing allegations,” Ranasinghe stated in the letters released to Sri Lankan media. “I want to emphasize that interim measures will only be taken to establish sound governance principles.”

Last month, the ICC compelled Ranasinghe to withdraw a three-member panel he had appointed to investigate alleged board corruption due to a violation of interference rules. The ICC has not yet responded to Ranasinghe’s latest action. Additionally, Shammi Silva, the ousted board president who secured a third consecutive term in May, has refrained from commenting on the matter.

The committee, comprising three retired judges (including two women) and former SLC chair Upali Dharmadasa, marks the return of Ranatunga to a leadership role in Sri Lankan cricket. Ranatunga, who previously headed a similar interim committee in 2008, had been critical of the Silva administration’s management. Silva was elected as SLC chief in May for his third consecutive term, originally slated to continue until 2025. However, recent events have reshaped the landscape of Sri Lankan cricket administration.

“Sri Lanka Cricket had gained a reputation as the most corrupt institution in the country. I aim to alter that perception,” stated Ranatunga.

This marks Sri Lanka’s second consecutive disappointing performance against India in ODIs. Just four days ago, they were dismissed for 55 at the Wankhede Stadium, following a prior debacle where they were bowled out for 50 in the Asia Cup final at Colombo on September 17. Sri Lanka’s substantial defeat to India, the second-largest margin of loss at the CWC ’23, not only constitutes a humiliating performance but also quashes their chances of making it to the semifinals. With only 2 wins out of 7 games, Sri Lanka currently languish at 7th place, one step below Afghanistan.