Thilanga Sumathipala, the embattled former president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC),has announced that he does not intend to take up his role as SLC international affairs representative, which would include him being an ICC director, until he has cleared
Wisden Cricinfo staff21-Apr-2004Thilanga Sumathipala, the embattled former president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC),has announced that he does not intend to take up his role as SLC international affairs representative, which would include him being an ICC director, until he has cleared his name in an ongoing immigration and corruption scandal.Sumathipala is still held in remand fighting a legal battle after becomingembroiled in a passport scandal late last year. Sumathipala was accused ofhelping a mafia figure travel to the UK on a false passport to watch the1999 World Cup as a guest of the cricket board. Sumathipala has denied allthe charges.The scandal prompted Sumathipala to not stand for a third term as board president in the recent elections. However, he was unanimously appointed SLC’s official representative for all international affairs at the Annual General Meeting despite still being held in police custody.The media release from his personal communication manager said “Mr.Sumathipala thanked Sri Lanka Cricket for the confidence they have reposedin him and is more than willing to be of assistance for the improvement ofSri Lanka Cricket. But until his name is cleared of all accusations that arepending in the courts he does not intend to represent Sri Lanka Cricket ininternational affairs.”