Crony Capitalism Undermines Sri Lankan Cricket: The Nalin Aponso Case

COLOMBO(News 1st); Cricket, a sport cherished by the entire nation, has steadily drifted from victory, becoming a victim of crony capitalism. Recent developments reveal how systemic manipulation within cricket administration has contributed to Sri Lanka’s failure to progress even to a quarter-final in ICC tournaments for over a decade.

How Crony Capitalism Infiltrated Sri Lanka Cricket

Through altered rules and loopholes, opportunities were created for political and financial interests to infiltrate cricket administration. A prime example of this is Nalin Aponso, a member of the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Additional Managing Director at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

To hold a position in SLC’s Executive Committee—except for Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer—one must have played First-Class cricket. Nalin Aponso, however, played only a single match at the age of 39 for Seeduwa Raddoluwa Cricket Club. Listed as a left-handed batsman and right-arm spin bowler, he faced five deliveries, scored one run, and did not bowl. This lone appearance qualified him for the Executive Committee.

The Club Takeover

The story behind the cricket club raises further concerns. The club Aponso played for has been listed under multiple names: Seeduwa Raddoluwa CC, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) CC, and Ace Capital CC. In 2011, an agreement between Nalin Aponso and Priyantha Thissera transferred control of the Raddoluwa Cricket Club to the SLPA. Following Thissera’s resignation, Aponso assumed the post of General Secretary.

From that point, club players were provided jobs at the SLPA, and salaries and club expenses were covered by State funds. Aponso’s single match took place only after the club was brought under the SLPA.

Since 2015, the club received substantial SLC grants:

2015: Rs. 11,079,800
2016: Rs. 7,671,500
2017: Rs. 8,338,000
2018: Rs. 12,288,750
2019: Rs. 11,333,500

During a COPE Committee hearing on November 13, 2025, it was confirmed that the same management team—including Aponso and former SLPA members—remains involved in the club, now operating as Ace Capital.

Exploiting State Resources

COPE members questioned whether the Management Committee had the authority to take over the club using State funds. Board member Upul Jayatissa clarified: “They have no such power.” Despite this, the club continued receiving funds, sponsorships, and SLC grants. This single match effectively served to secure Aponso’s position while State and corporate resources were used to maintain the club.

Impact on Sri Lankan Cricket

This case exemplifies how crony capitalism has tightened its grip on Sri Lanka cricket. Delays in enforcing accountability have allowed this network to continue, contributing to the nation’s prolonged underperformance in international tournaments.

Cricket administrators have betrayed public trust. The mismanagement and exploitation of resources have hindered the sport’s growth, and the country is now united in demanding justice and reform to restore cricket to its rightful glory.