Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Faces ICC Suspension After World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) membership with immediate effect for government interference. This suspension means that Sri Lanka will not be able to participate in any international cricket matches or tournaments until the suspension is lifted.

In a major development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect. The decision comes in response to what the ICC perceives as significant government interference in the administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.

The ICC Board, in an online meeting held on Friday, concluded that SLC is in serious breach of its obligations as a member. Specifically, there are concerns about the government’s involvement in various aspects of SLC. It includes governance, finance, and matters related to the national team.

The suspension means that Sri Lanka Cricket is no longer recognized as a full member by the ICC. The conditions of the suspension will be decided in the upcoming ICC Board meetings scheduled for November 18-21 in Ahmedabad.

The recent turmoil in Sri Lankan cricket began with the team’s poor performance at the World Cup in India. Subsequently, the government intervened by dismissing the SLC board and appointing an interim committee led by Arjuna Ranatunga. However, Sri Lanka’s courts issued a stay order, essentially reinstating the elected SLC board headed by Shammi Silva.

Despite the ongoing debates in Sri Lanka’s parliament regarding the management of cricket affairs. The ICC’s decision to suspend SLC has been implemented. SLC President Shammi Silva, recognized by the ICC, is likely to attend the upcoming ICC meetings in Ahmedabad in an observer capacity.

After Effects

The suspension will also have a negative impact on the Sri Lankan economy. Cricket is a major source of revenue for the country. It is unclear how long the suspension will last. The ICC has said it will work with the Sri Lankan government to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. However, it is possible that the suspension could last for several months or even years.

This suspension marks the second instance in the last four years where a Full Member of the ICC has been suspended due to government interference. The previous case was Zimbabwe Cricket in 2019. Unlike Zimbabwe, where all cricket activities were abruptly halted. The ICC is expected to proceed cautiously in Sri Lanka’s case, avoiding a complete shutdown of cricket activities. The situation will be closely monitored as the ICC Board convenes to determine the next steps in addressing the suspension.