Shammi Silva has been re-elected as the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) at the 64th annual general meeting of the governing body on Monday. This marks his fourth consecutive term in office and the third time he has secured the position uncontested.
He will be governing the body once again for the 2025-27 term said the SLC.
Silva’s tenure was marred by his clash with former sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe in 2023. The minister’s appointment of an interim committee, in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s humiliating defeat in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and Sri Lanka’s suspension from the ICC.
Due to suspension, the U-19 men’s World Cup which was slated to be hosted by the country has been shifted to South Africa. The sports minister was later sacked, and the court reinstated Silva’s SLC administration.
Since, Sri Lanka’s 1996 ODI World Cup triumph, the SLC have become a prestige of local business leaders. There has been much tension during the annual elections among rival camps.
In 1998, the president of the country, Chandrika Kumaratunga’s security division, became involved at the AGM, resulting in fist fight between rival camps.
He had replaced Jay Shah as the president of the Asian Cricket Council in December last year. Silva is tasked with continuing the progress made during Jay Shah’s tenure.
“It is a great honour to lead the Asian Cricket Council. Cricket is the heartbeat of Asia, and I look forward to working closely with all member nations to elevate the game, provide opportunities for emerging talent, and strengthen the bonds that unite us through this beautiful sport,” said Shammi Silva during his ACC president appointment.
Shammi Silva was the former cricketer for the Colombo Cricket Club in 1983/84 and was a manager and coach of Sri Lanka’s squash national team.
