Controversy hits Sri Lankan cricket board

“If elected president, I will take steps to remove that absurd requirement,” he told reporters in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital. He will be challenging Thilanga Sumathipala, the board president, in elections scheduled for March 28.

“President (Kumaratunga) came to know about my decision to contest only when I told her this morning,” Ratwatte said, denying media reports that he was using political connections to promote his candidature.

Ratwatte denied that he had differences with Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga. He, however, said he hadtold Ranatunga to concentrate on the game and avoid interfering in cricket administration.

“Players should not get involved in administration because it adversely affects their game,” he said.

He attributed Sri Lanka’s dismal performances in recent Test and one-day matches to bad management.

“We have good talented players and what they need is proper guidance,” Ratwatte said. World champions Sri Lanka will be defending the title this summer in the cricket World Cup to be played in England.