Sri Lanka, May 4 -- Minister Bimal Rathnayake defended the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne as Chairman of the Cricket Restructuring Committee, while dismissing concerns over political differences and stressing the need for capable leadership in reviving the sport.

Responding to questions over selecting a figure outside the government's political alignment, the Minister said the decision was based purely on merit and not ideology.

"Cricket doesn't have to be left-wing," Rathnayake said, noting that the appointment should not be viewed through political lens.

He said Wickramaratne was chosen due to his background as a former cricketer, along with his extensive administrative experience, adding that there are strong expectations he will...