By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

	Mr Sumathipala denies reports that he was forced to withdraw from the contest

Thilanga Sumathipala, who was elected few times as the head of the SLC, told BBC Sandeshaya that it is imperative for those contesting for the posts of president, secretary and treasurer to have at least two years experience in the SLC executive committee within the last 15 years.

"There will be consequences if those who are unqualified are allowed to hold office," he said without mentioning the names.

"Those regulations are there for the benefit of cricket."

'Virtually uncontested'

The Sunday Times newspaper has, however, reported that the attorney general has already ruled out a complaint lodge by the group led by Mr Sumathipala against some candidates.

There was no need for this to be discussed with president. It is because Upali Dharmadasa did not agree with proposals for a united programme put forward by my team, I decided to stay away Thilanga Sumathipala

The former president who initially expressed his plans to contest suddenly withdrew after a meeting with Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage leading to media reports that he was under political pressure not to contest against Upali Dharmadasa.

"The president did not ask me not to contest," Mr Sumathipala told BBC Sinhala service.

"There was no need for this to be discussed with president. It is because Upali Dharmadasa did not agree with proposals for a united programme put forward by my team, I decided to stay away."

He alleged that Mr Dharmadasa is already elected "virtually uncontested," as the main challenger for SLC presidency, Sumith Perera, is a friend of Mr Dharmadasa.

Mr Dharmadasa, however, rejected the accusation saying that there was no impediment for anybody, including Mr Sumathipala, in a "democratic society".

The elections for the SLC are scheduled to be held on 03 January, for the first time after six years.