The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership with immediate effect. The decision follows an alleged breach of obligations by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), particularly concerning the mandate to manage its affairs autonomously and free from government interference.
In an official statement released on Friday night, the ICC stated, “The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.”
“The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course,” the ICC said.
Sri Lanka, slated to host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in January and February 2024, now faces an uncertain period ahead. The suspension raises questions about the country’s ability to fulfil its hosting responsibilities for the upcoming event.
Sri Lanka’s recent cricketing performance also adds to the challenges, with the men’s team enduring a disappointing run at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. With just two victories in nine matches, the team finds itself at the eighth position in the points table, concluding the league phase with only four points.
As three more matches loom, Sri Lanka’s cricketing future appears to be at a crossroads
