Cricket: Sri Lanka elects board uncontested

Sri Lanka’s national cricket board was elected uncontested yesterday amid allegations that political pressure had forced favourites to withdraw from the first election in seven years.
The election was called by the government to ensure the island was in line with an International Cricket Council (ICC) directive requiring all national boards to be independently voted in by June 2012.
The ICC had taken exception to the “interim committees” which managed Sri Lankan cricket and were often seen as politically-appointed bodies.
Businessman Upali Dharmadasa became president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) unopposed as front-runner Thilanga Sumathipala withdrew at the last minute.
The sports ministry, which conducted the election among cricket clubs affiliated to Sri Lanka Cricket, dismissed allegations of irregularities.
“The concerned parties can take necessary legal action,” ministry official Ranjani Jayakody told reporters. “I held a fair election.”
Mohan de Silva, who also withdrew yesterday, said he and fellow candidates pulled out because the election process was unjust.
“We will bring this to the notice of the ICC,” de Silva told reporters.
Sri Lanka Cricket is facing a severe financial crisis over the cost of co-hosting the 2011 World Cup, with many players complaining of unpaid salaries in recent months.
“I am elected only for one year, but it will take us five years to come out of this rut,” Dharmadasa said.