Sri Lanka keen to host U-50 Cricket WC - Harin

By: Susil Premalal

Colombo, Jan. 13 (Daily Mirror) - Sports Minister Harin Fernando is confident that Sri Lanka could host the 14-team Under-50 Cricket World Cup later this year following a successful discussion with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

Minister Fernando said that Sha had responded to his request positively and that hosting this tournament in Colombo would be a huge boost for the tourism industry in the country.

The Sports Minister made these observations during a media briefing held at the Tourism Ministry in Colombo.

Meanwhile, several amendments are to be submitted by the Sports Act to protect the independence of the National Sports Associations by removing them from the powers of the Sports Minister to appoint interim committees.

Minister Fernando said that he also admitted that there may be some effects due to the intervention of the sports minister in the appointment of interim committees.

He said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has strongly objected to the establishment of an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket.

Meanwhile, the ICC delegation did not approve the attempt of the former sports minister to obtain 20 percent of funds for the sports ministry under the financial assistance provided by the ICC to its member countries.

In addition to this, he pointed out that there may be some effects due to the sports minister's involvement in the participation of a national team in a foreign tournament and the sports minister's intervention in appointing members to the selection committees

“Sri Lanka cricket structure should change immediately. There is no one to take any responsibility during victory or defeat. There is no one to make decisions. There must be a party to take every responsibility,” the Sports Minister added.

The Sports Minister also intends to take steps in the future to give priority to the construction and improvement of school cricket stadiums in the country.