R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JUNE 21
In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the future of cricket in the region, ICC Chairman Jay Shah met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to deliberate on expanding grassroots programmes, nurturing young talent and enhancing Sri Lanka’s contribution to the global growth of the sport.
- ICC Chairman and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake discuss youth development, emerging talent and Sri Lanka’s expanding role in shaping world cricket
- High-level meeting underscores cricket’s growing influence as a catalyst for social impact, economic progress and international sporting collaboration
The high-level interaction highlighted the increasing role of cricket as a platform for youth empowerment, social transformation and economic development, while reaffirming Sri Lanka’s enduring importance in the international cricket ecosystem.
Sharing details of the meeting through a social media post, Jay Shah emphasised that discussions centred on creating greater opportunities for emerging players, reinforcing grassroots structures and leveraging cricket as a force for inclusive development.
It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @anuradisanayake today and discuss the current status of cricket in Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on increasing opportunities for emerging players, supporting grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging… pic.twitter.com/9Zk5oQcGX5
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 19, 2026
Jay Shah posted: “It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @anuradisanayake today and discuss the current status of cricket in Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on increasing opportunities for emerging players, supporting grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging cricket as a vehicle for social impact and economic growth.
We also exchanged views on the role Sri Lanka continues to play in hosting major international events and contributing to the global development of our sport. Sri Lanka holds a special place in the history of cricket, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further strengthen the game and create new opportunities for future generations.
My sincere thanks to His Excellency for his time and unwavering support for cricket.”
The meeting assumes added significance as cricket administrators worldwide increasingly focus on sustainable talent pipelines, infrastructure development and broader community engagement to ensure the sport’s long-term growth.
By placing grassroots programmes and youth development at the centre of discussions, both leaders have underlined the importance of investing in the next generation of cricketers while strengthening cricket’s role as an instrument of national development and international cooperation.
The dialogue also reinforced Sri Lanka’s strategic position as a premier destination for hosting global cricketing events and its continuing contribution to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the game while embracing future opportunities.
As international cricket enters a new era of expansion and innovation, the interaction between the ICC Chairman and the Sri Lankan President reflects a shared vision of making the sport more inclusive, accessible and impactful for generations to come.
