The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken the immediate decision to suspend Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) membership, citing breaches of obligations as a member, particularly the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and without government interference.
In a statement released on Friday night, the ICC expressed concern that SLC had failed to meet its responsibilities. The global cricket governing body stated, “The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course.”
The ICC Board is scheduled to convene on November 21, where the specifics of the suspension and the future course of action are expected to be determined.
Sri Lanka, currently facing a challenging time in international cricket, is slated to host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in January and February 2024. The suspension puts a cloud of uncertainty over the country’s ability to fulfill this hosting responsibility.
The Sri Lanka men’s team had a tough run at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, winning only two out of their nine matches and finishing with four points. Presently holding the eighth position in the points table, they have three more matches to play in the league phase. The suspension adds another layer of complexity to the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s cricket scenario.
