Sumathi Dharmawardena Appointed as New Chair of ICC Anti-Corruption Unit
Dharmawardena previously served as the additional solicitor general at the Attorney General's Department of Sri Lanka, where he represented the government and the Ministry of Sports in various legal matters.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Sumathi Dharmawardena from Sri Lanka as the new independent chair of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), effective November 1, 2024. He succeeds Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who has held the position for 14 years and will be retiring.
In his new role, Dharmawardena will be responsible for overseeing and leading the ACU, which is managed at the executive level by the General Manager of Integrity. His extensive background in law and experience with sports governance will be crucial in advancing the ICC's efforts to maintain integrity within cricket.
Dharmawardena previously served as the additional solicitor general at the Attorney General's Department of Sri Lanka, where he represented the government and the Ministry of Sports in various legal matters. His professional history also includes roles with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, where he focused on investigating sports corruption and managing prosecutions under the Sports Act.
This leadership transition occurs alongside other significant changes within the ICC's anti-corruption framework, as Alex Marshall, the head of the ACU, will also conclude his seven-year term at the end of November. The appointments come at a pivotal time as the ICC continues to strengthen its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of cricket worldwide.
