’’Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing’’: Bimal on Eran’s appointment

Colombo, May 4 (Daily Mirror) - Minister Bimal Rathnayake defended the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne as Chairman of the Cricket Restructuring Committee, while dismissing concerns over political differences and stressing the need for capable leadership in reviving the sport.

Responding to questions over selecting a figure outside the government’s political alignment, the Minister said the decision was based purely on merit and not ideology.

“Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing,” Rathnayake said, noting that the appointment should not be viewed through political lens.

He said Wickramaratne was chosen due to his background as a former cricketer, along with his extensive administrative experience, adding that there are strong expectations he will help restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing standards.

“We needed a suitable and talented administrator. He has knowledge of the game and the capacity to guide its development,” the Minister said during a televised interview.

Rathnayake emphasised that managing cricket cannot be equated to running a political party, and reiterated that the focus remains on rebuilding the sport.

Highlighting concerns over performance, he pointed out that Sri Lanka has failed to reach a semi-final in any format over the past decade.

“Cricket must be developed. It is a national need, a national strength and even a political asset for Sri Lanka to move forward globally,” he added.