ICC Board, citing serious breaches in autonomy and resistance to government interference, swiftly suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s ICC membership.
The ICC Board, in a prompt move on November 10, suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership in the ICC, citing serious breaches of its obligations. The suspension is primarily due to Sri Lanka Cricket’s failure to manage its affairs autonomously, a crucial requirement for ICC members. The decision also underscores concerns about government interference in the governance, regulation, and administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership of the ICC with immediate effect,” read the ICC’s media release statement.
“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,” it added.
The cricket board’s suspension followed Sri Lanka’s final group match in the 2023 World Cup, ending with only two victories out of nine matches.
The board faced turmoil after the team’s massive 302-run defeat to India, resulting in the sacking of the entire cricket board by the sports minister. According to PTI, despite a subsequent court reinstatement, a parliamentary resolution on November 9th called for the resignation of Sri Lanka Cricket’s management.
Sri Lanka’s challenging run in the 2023 World Cup included victories against Netherlands and England, but injuries plagued their campaign, prompting a mid-tournament change in captaincy from Dasun Shanaka to Kusal Mendis. Currently placed ninth in the points table, Sri Lanka’s final standing hinges on results from other group-stage matches.
Last Updated on November 10, 2023
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