In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost’s Palki Sharma, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the controversy surrounding former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga's comments on BCCI secretary Jay Shah's alleged influence in Sri Lankan cricket.

President Wickremesinghe sought to dispel any misconceptions, asserting that Jay Shah does not hold sway over Sri Lankan cricket. In the interview, the President revealed that he had personally spoken to Shah on the matter and expressed regret that Shah's name had been implicated in the controversy. Wickremesinghe clarified that Shah, as per their conversation, does not control Sri Lankan cricket and is supportive of whichever body is legally recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“No, Jay Shah doesn’t run Sri Lankan cricket. They think that Jay Shah is supporting the cricket board. But I spoke to Jay Shah and felt sorry that his name had been dragged in and apologized," President Wickremesinghe stated.

He continued, quoting Shah, "He said, ‘My position is, whoever is the legal body, I will back. If this lot is the legal body I will back them. If the other lot is the legal body, I will back them. If there’s a third group that’s the legal body, I will back them. That’s not decided by me, that’s decided by ICC.”

The controversy stemmed from Arjuna Ranatunga's comments, suggesting that Jay Shah was exerting influence in Sri Lankan cricket, causing a stir in the cricketing world, particularly in India, known for its cricketing dominance.