The ICC has enforced an immediate suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) due to substantial government interference in the board’s administration. While termed a “suspension,” it primarily serves as a warning to deter further governmental involvement in SLC affairs. The current suspension is not expected to significantly impact Sri Lankan cricket immediately, considering the conclusion of their World Cup campaign and no scheduled cricket activities until December. ICC funds are not slated for disbursement to SLC until January.

Sri Lanka Cricket Requested It’s Own Suspension.

SLC’s vice-president, Ravin Wickramaratne, revealed that the suspension was requested by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) itself to convey to the Sri Lankan government that the ICC will not tolerate ongoing interference. He emphasized the need for the government to assure non-interference, highlighting the potential consequences similar to the suspension of Zimbabwe Cricket in 2019.

In an online meeting on Friday, the ICC board addressed the extensive government interference in various aspects of SLC, including administration, finance, and matters concerning the national team. The conditions of the suspension will be determined by the ICC Board in the coming weeks.

Despite the political turmoil surrounding the SLC board’s dismissal and subsequent reinstatement through a court order, the ICC continues to recognize SLC president Shammi Silva. The ICC Board has allowed SLC representatives to attend meetings in Ahmedabad in an observer capacity.

Sri Lanka’s sports minister had initially dissolved the SLC board and established an interim committee, but a court-issued stay order reinstated the elected board led by Silva. This move prompted parliamentary discussions about SLC’s affairs.

The ICC’s decision to suspend SLC is notable, as it is the second Full Member to face suspension in recent years, following Zimbabwe Cricket in 2019. However, unlike Zimbabwe, where all cricket activities were abruptly halted, the ICC is expected to proceed cautiously in Sri Lanka’s case, avoiding an immediate freeze on funding or cessation of cricket activities. The next steps will be determined at the ICC board meeting scheduled for November 21.

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