“Can’t appoint those who did not apply” Minister defends cricket selection appointments
Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage defended the appointment of a new national cricket selection committee, stating the process adhered strictly to legal requirements and dismissing criticism that the picks were influenced by personal favoritism.The ministry confirmed that former fast bowler Pramodya Wickramasinghe has returned as chairman of the five-member committee. Other members include Indika de Saram, Tharanga Paranavitana, Vinothen John, and Rasanjali de Alwis.
The appointments were made under Section 39(1) of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 and a recent extraordinary gazette notification, which now mandates gender representation when the committee oversees women’s sports.
“For the first time, a woman has been included on the Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee as required by the gazette,” Gamage wrote on Facebook, referring to the inclusion of de Alwis, a former national player.he minister responded to public calls for alternative candidates, explaining that the selection process is bound by specific regulations. Under the rules, the national cricket board submits a shortlist of 10 names to the ministry, from which the final five are selected for a two-year term.
“The minister cannot appoint someone simply because public calls say ‘put him’ or ‘put her,’” Gamage said. He added that even high-profile cricket figures are ineligible for consideration if they are not nominated through their respective member associations and the official board list.
Wickramasinghe, who previously chaired the committee from 2021 to 2023, replaces Upul Tharanga, whose term recently expired. The new panel faces an immediate task with the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in February
