A new Sri Lanka Cricket Bill, aimed at restructuring and strengthening the administration, governance, regulation, promotion and development of cricket in Sri Lanka, has been published in the Government Gazette.
The Bill was included in Gazette No. 2508 dated September 25, 2026, which was issued on September 28. The proposed legislation sets out a new legal framework for the administration and governance of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Under the proposed framework, Sri Lanka Cricket would be governed by a 14-member Board of Directors, comprising:
- Seven Independent Directors
- Seven Elected Directors
The proposed structure also creates opportunities to bring individuals with professional expertise into the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket. Independent Director positions would be open to people with professional knowledge and experience in areas including accounting and finance, law, marketing, information technology and cricket administration.
The Bill further proposes that at least two of the Independent Directors must be women.
Under the proposed administrative structure, the normal term of office for Board members would be four years.
For Elected Directors, the proposed legislation would limit their total cumulative period in office to eight years. The Bill also proposes that the Chairperson be selected from among the Independent Directors, while the Deputy Chairperson would be selected from among the Elected Directors.
The proposed Bill places emphasis on good governance, transparency, accountability, integrity, inclusivity and equal opportunity within Sri Lanka Cricket.
It also includes provisions aimed at protecting the welfare of participants and safeguarding cricket from corruption and other forms of malpractice. These objectives were also highlighted in the Cabinet decision approving publication of the Bill.
Under the proposed legal framework, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports would have powers to initiate audits and investigations where credible allegations of financial irregularities, corruption or administrative failures are made.
The Bill also contains provisions for action to be taken, where necessary, in relation to individual directors or the Board.
The proposed legislation also provides for the audited accounts and annual reports of Sri Lanka Cricket to be submitted to Parliament and made publicly available.
The Bill therefore seeks to establish a framework in which the financial and administrative affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket are subject to greater formal oversight and public reporting.
Cabinet approval was granted on June 8, 2026, to prepare legislation to restructure Sri Lanka Cricket.
The Bill was subsequently prepared by the Legal Draftsman’s Department and received clearance from the Attorney General.
The Cabinet later approved a proposal by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to publish the Bill in the Government Gazette and subsequently submit it to Parliament for approval.
The publication of the Bill in the Gazette does not mean that it has already become law.
The proposed legislation is now expected to be presented to Parliament, where it will go through the applicable parliamentary process before it can be enacted.
If enacted, the proposed legislation would establish a new statutory framework for the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket, including its governance structure, powers, financial accountability and regulatory oversight.
The Bill therefore represents a proposed change to the legal and administrative structure of Sri Lanka Cricket, with its final provisions subject to the parliamentary process.
