A Bill proposing a new statutory framework for the governance of Sri Lanka Cricket has been published in the Gazette.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Bill proposes establishing Sri Lanka Cricket as a body corporate responsible for regulating, promoting and developing cricket in the country. It was published in a Gazette supplement dated Sept. 25 and issued on Sept. 28.

The proposed board would have 14 members: seven Independent Directors and seven Elected Directors. At least two Independent Directors must be women. The chairperson would be chosen from among the Independent Directors and the deputy chairperson from among the Elected Directors. The Bill also sets four-year terms and an eight-year cumulative limit for Elected Directors.

It sets out disqualifications for board positions, including for people with certain political or cricket-related roles, journalists and media owners, and player agents or managers.

The Bill would introduce a three-tier membership and voting system. It also provides for audited accounts and annual reports to be submitted to Parliament, and gives the minister powers to initiate audits and inquiries into credible allegations of corruption, financial irregularities or governance failures.

If enacted, the Bill would replace the provisions of the Sports Law relating to cricket. It provides for the existing body’s assets, liabilities, contracts, employees and pending proceedings to transfer to the new Sri Lanka Cricket. The Bill has been published but is not yet law.

Key highlights

14-member board: Seven Independent Directors and seven Elected Directors; at least two Independent Directors must be women.

Leadership: The chairperson would be selected from the Independent Directors and the deputy chairperson from the Elected Directors.

Term limits: Four-year terms; Elected Directors could serve a maximum of eight years in total.

Eligibility rules: Restrictions would apply to certain politicians, journalists and media owners, and player agents or managers.

Tiered voting: Tier A members would have two votes; Tier B members and Provincial Cricket Associations would have one vote each. Tier C members could attend as observers but not vote.

Ministerial oversight: The minister could initiate audits and inquiries into credible allegations; action could include suspending or removing directors or the board.

Public reporting: Audited accounts and annual reports would be submitted to Parliament and published online.

Transition: The existing body’s assets, liabilities, contracts, employees and pending proceedings would transfer to the new Sri Lanka Cricket.

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