ICC immediately Ends Suspension On Sri Lanka Cricket, Satisfied With Resolution Of Governance Issues
Sports Minister Harin Fernando conveyed the announcement of the suspension lift through a tweet, indicating that an official statement would follow shortly.
The ICC Board has taken the decision to immediately revoke the suspension imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which was initiated in November. The suspension resulted from SLC's serious breach of its obligations as an ICC member, specifically in failing to manage its affairs autonomously and preventing government interference in the governance of cricket in Sri Lanka.
The ICC Board had been closely monitoring the situation since the suspension and is now satisfied that SLC has addressed its shortcomings, ensuring compliance with membership obligations. Sports Minister Harin Fernando conveyed the announcement of the suspension lift through a tweet, indicating that an official statement would follow shortly.
pic.twitter.com/jMF5B7976b — Harin Fernando (@fernandoharin) January 28, 2024
The repercussions of the suspension were significant for Sri Lanka, as it led to the forfeiture of the right to host the U-19 World Cup. In response, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice visited Colombo earlier in the month, engaging in discussions with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sports Minister Harin Fernando. The political interference that triggered the suspension involved the dismissal of the Shammi Silva administration by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. An interim committee led by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga was appointed but later overturned by the court, reinstating Silva. Ranasinghe was subsequently dismissed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The government, reacting to the suspension, expressed its commitment to formulating a new sports act that would prevent political interference in sports administration. The lifting of the suspension is viewed as a positive development for Sri Lanka's cricketing landscape, allowing the nation to fully participate in international cricket events once again.
In a related development, the ICC shared a rendered image of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, a pop-up venue in New York. This stadium is set to host the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match, marking a significant milestone for cricket's global expansion. The rendering provides a glimpse into the excitement that awaits cricket fans as the sport continues to broaden its reach across the world.
