by Rex Clementine
The Supreme Court yesterday began hearing objections to the proposed new constitution for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), with former cricket administrators leading the resistance to reforms that threaten to loosen their grip on the game. Chief among their grievances is the proposed removal of voting rights enjoyed by District Cricket Associations at SLC’s Annual General Meeting.
The reformists, however, received a significant shot in the arm when two of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, Mahela Jayawardene and Rangana Herath, submitted affidavits backing the proposed changes. Joining the two former Test captains was former Test fast bowler and national Fast Bowling Coach Champaka Ramanayake. Their intervention sent a powerful message that those who have served the game with distinction are firmly behind efforts to put Sri Lankan cricket on a better footing.
While some objections raised yesterday were dismissed, lawyers representing the petitioners will have another opportunity to present their arguments today as the Supreme Court continues its hearings.
The general consensus is that Sri Lankan cricket is crying out for reform. The question is no longer whether change is necessary, but whether those accustomed to wielding power are prepared to loosen their grip.
For the better part of three decades, cricket elections have been bitterly contested affairs, occasionally descending into violence and forcing the AGM to be shifted from SLC headquarters to more secure surroundings. Allegations of vote buying, electoral manipulation and rampant corruption have become almost as predictable as mangoes in the month of April or Rambutans in the month of July.
For years, the argument has been that this circus must end and that qualified professionals, rather than club representatives alone, should be entrusted with running the country’s richest sporting institution.
Constitutional reform has been discussed for well over a decade. On occasions, even the courts have cleared the path for change. What has been missing, however, is the political will to see it through.
Instead, the public has been treated to cosmetic exercises masquerading as reform. A clause amended here, a few votes trimmed there, but the same familiar faces continued playing musical chairs, swapping positions while keeping a firm hold on the levers of power. The nameplates changed, but the occupants seldom did. Today’s Vice-President is Secretary in two years’ time and vice-versa.
This time, however, the NPP government has thrown its full weight behind reform. Cleaning up cricket was one of its election pledges and to its credit, the administration has moved beyond rhetoric. Individuals who had ruled the cricket board with an iron fist have been shown the exit, while respected figures have been entrusted with steering the institution through the transitional period.
There is already a marked difference in the manner in which SLC is being administered.
Importantly, the proposed structure does not shut member clubs out of the decision making process. Their voices will continue to be heard, but the days when electoral arithmetic mattered more than administrative competence could finally be numbered. The new framework introduces checks and balances while making room for qualified individuals to serve on the board.
The Supreme Court is expected to communicate its observations to the Speaker later next week. Following further debate in Parliament, the proposed constitution is expected to be passed into law.
With its commanding parliamentary majority, the government has the numbers to push the legislation through. Encouragingly, however, support for the reforms has not been confined to the government benches. Several opposition politicians have also backed the proposed changes wholeheartedly, recognising that cleaning up cricket should transcend party politics. That should send a clear message.
Many individuals deserve credit for bringing the reform process this far. Lawyers, former cricketers, administrators and others who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes have all played their part.
But when the final wicket falls and the scorecards are signed, there will be only one Man of the Match.
Comrade AKD.