Eran Wickramaratne, the chairman of the interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket, has expressed the need for changes in the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). His goal is to secure more Test matches for Sri Lanka against top cricketing nations like India, England, and Australia.
After a one-year hiatus, Sri Lanka resumed Test cricket in June and July with a two-match series against the West Indies. They are currently engaged in a two-Test series against India. This year, Sri Lanka is slated to play six more Test matches, including two against Pakistan and New Zealand away from home, followed by a home series against South Africa.
Wickramaratne pointed out that the current international calendar is affecting their ability to play sufficient Test matches, a format he believes should be prioritized. He mentioned, “The FTP schedules our tours, and we are hoping for more opportunities to play against India in the next World Test Championship cycle.”
He added that playing against leading teams like India, England, and Australia is crucial for Sri Lanka cricket, stating, “These are the teams that the whole cricketing world wants to face, and we want to ensure we have more tours with them.”
Despite their limited red-ball cricket in the earlier part of the year, Sri Lanka will end up playing ten Tests in total this year. Wickramaratne emphasized the need for a more balanced calendar, saying, “We need that balance, as the schedule doesn’t reflect the amount of Test cricket we’ve played so far this year.”
He also noted that the busy schedule for T20 and ODI formats has contributed to the congestion in the calendar. “We depend on India quite a lot since they are a financial powerhouse in cricket,” he explained.
Wickramaratne expressed hope that his recent talks with ICC president Jay Shah and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will help strengthen the cricketing relationship between Sri Lanka and India. He acknowledged the challenges India faces due to their own tight schedule but hoped for more collaboration in the future.
In addition, former Sri Lankan cricketer Sidath Wettimuny, now part of the interim committee, has highlighted efforts underway to enhance transparency and accountability within Sri Lanka Cricket. He remarked on the important reforms introduced in the new constitution, including the addition of independent directors to the board.
Wettimuny noted, “Just as India underwent changes with the Lodha commission, other cricket boards like those in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have also adapted. Our new constitution is a step forward in ensuring more accountability and transparency, which is vital for the future of Sri Lanka cricket.”
These changes aim to foster a more open and responsible governance system for cricket in Sri Lanka.
