ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia travelled to Colombo on Friday, 19 June for a high-level meeting with the leadership of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), focusing on the board's ongoing governance transition, constitutional reforms, and administrative restructuring. The visit signals the ICC's active engagement in stabilising one of its member boards amid a period of institutional change.

Key Developments from the Colombo Meeting

During the discussions, which were described as cordial and constructive, Sri Lanka Cricket provided a comprehensive briefing on the steps taken to strengthen its governance structures. The delegation was informed of the progress made by the Committee currently overseeing the governance transition process, along with indicative timelines for completing reforms and restoring an elected administration in line with the applicable legal and constitutional framework.

The ICC delegation was also updated on milestones achieved and measures being implemented to ensure a smooth and transparent handover. Jay Shah welcomed the update and reaffirmed the ICC's commitment to supporting member boards in promoting strong governance, transparency, and the game's continued growth, according to an SLC statement issued on Friday.

What the Reform Process Entails

The constitutional and administrative reforms underway at Sri Lanka Cricket are aimed at ensuring long-term institutional stability. The governance transition committee — currently entrusted with running the board — is working toward handing control back to a duly elected administration. Notably, the meeting produced a clearer picture of timelines, a detail that had been absent from earlier public communications on the reform process.

This is not the first time the ICC has had to engage closely with Sri Lanka Cricket over governance concerns. The board has historically faced periods of government interference and administrative instability, making the current reform cycle particularly significant for the sport's credibility in the country.

Shah Meets Sri Lanka President Dissanayake

Earlier on the same day, Jay Shah met Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss the broader state of cricket in the island nation. Talks centred on expanding opportunities for emerging players, strengthening grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging the sport as a driver of social impact and economic growth. The presidential-level engagement underscores the political weight the governance transition carries in Sri Lanka.

Bilateral Ties and Cricket Development

Beyond governance, the Colombo meeting also covered cricket development, bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka Cricket and the BCCI, and the continued strengthening of ties between SLC, the ICC, and Indian cricket's governing body. The presence of the BCCI Secretary alongside the ICC Chairman reflects India's close interest in administrative stability across the subcontinent's cricket ecosystem.

With indicative timelines now shared, the focus will shift to whether Sri Lanka Cricket can meet its own reform benchmarks and restore elected governance within the agreed framework.