The International Cricket Council (ICC) has opted to permit Sri Lankan teams' participation in international events despite the suspension of the country's membership. While Sri Lanka can engage in bilateral series and ICC competitions, the ICC has taken charge of controlling funding to Sri Lanka Cricket and relocated the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 from Sri Lanka to South Africa.
The decisions were reached during the ICC Board meeting on Tuesday, solidifying the terms of Sri Lanka Cricket's suspension. The ICC emphasized that Sri Lanka could continue its international participation despite the recent suspension due to breaches in its membership obligations, particularly concerning the requirement for autonomous management without government interference.
However, the ICC will now oversee funding for Sri Lanka Cricket, ensuring stricter control over financial disbursements. Additionally, the ICC Board confirmed the relocation of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 from Sri Lanka to South Africa.
The suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket's membership stemmed from government interference in the sport's governance. The ICC Board had convened on November 11 and identified Sri Lanka Cricket's serious breach of its membership obligations, specifically emphasizing the need for autonomous management without government intervention in cricket administration within Sri Lanka.
This suspension followed the unanimous passage of a joint proposal by the Sri Lankan Parliament to remove office-bearers from Sri Lanka Cricket, citing alleged corruption within the governing body. The motion titled ‘Removal of corrupt office-bearers including President from SLC’ received support from both government and opposition factions, marking a rare moment of unity in the decision-making process.
(With Agency Inputs)
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