Colombo - Police and officers from Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday entered the premises of the Sri Lankan cricket board, a cricket official and witnesses said.

The reason for the apparent raid was not immediately known. There were about 60 to 70 staff members working at the time authorities entered, cricket board spokesperson Ray Illangakoon, said.

Police closed the front gate and were not allowing anyone to go in or out, a witness said.

Sri Lanka cricket has been in crisis since Sports Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga in April suspended the registration of an elected cricket governing board and appointed an interim committee to run the sport. The minister charged that the administration had mismanaged funds and disregarded ministerial orders, claims denied by the board. - Sapa-AP