Sri Lanka Cricket Board Suspended from World Cup: ICC Takes Immediate Action, Revokes Membership Due to Government Interference
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has temporarily suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) from its membership. This decision comes after government interference in the board’s affairs, which is against ICC rules. Sri Lanka’s performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup in India has been disappointing, with the team managing only 2 wins out of 9 matches.
During the ICC quarterly meeting scheduled from November 18 to 21 in Ahmedabad, this matter is expected to be discussed. However, the actions of Sri Lanka Cricket Board have led ICC officials to conduct online meetings and temporarily suspend the board. ICC emphasized that there should be no government interference in the functioning of member boards.
In recent days, Sri Lanka Cricket Board has been unable to operate freely, which has led to its temporary suspension by ICC.
Following the suspension of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board’s ICC membership due to government interference, the fate of the team and upcoming events is uncertain. Sri Lanka’s national cricket team is expected to face difficulties, particularly with regards to their participation in international cricket matches and events.
The suspension of the SLC is temporary, and its impact on Sri Lankan players and cricketing activities remains minimal for now. However, the situation may have financial implications as fund transfers may be halted. Additionally, Sri Lanka was set to host the Men’s Under-19 World Cup in January-February next year, but the suspension may lead to the relocation of this event to another host country.
The suspension has raised concerns about the future of Sri Lankan cricket and its involvement in international cricket events. The consequences of this suspension, if not resolved, could extend to the hosting rights of future ICC events.
In the wake of Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup match against India on November 2, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has been dissolved. The country’s sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, informed the ICC that “Arjuna Ranatunga, captain of the 1996 World Cup-winning team, has been appointed as the head of the new board.”
However, the Sri Lankan court has temporarily suspended the board’s dissolution, setting a 14-day restraining order to prevent their removal. After the suspension, Shami Silva, the President of SLC, sought assistance from the ICC. Subsequently, the ICC conducted an online meeting and suspended the board membership.
Sri Lanka’s loss to India by 302 runs in the recent T20 World Cup match on November 2 had raised concerns within the board. In this match, India batted first and scored 357 runs with the loss of 8 wickets, while Sri Lanka, in response, managed to score only 55 runs. The Sri Lankan team lost wickets rapidly and was bowled out for just 14 runs. The top order of the Sri Lankan team had a dismal performance, leading to a heavy defeat.
Following this heavy loss and government interference, the SLC board has been dissolved, with the hope that a new board, led by Arjuna Ranatunga, will be formed. However, the court has temporarily halted this dissolution pending further decisions.
