ICC Lifts Ban on SLC, Says Sri Lanka Sports Minister

Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister, Harin Fernando, has announced that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has immediately lifted the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The official media release containing this information will be available soon, as confirmed by the Sri Lankan official. On November 10, 2023, the ICC suspended the Sri Lanka Cricket Board due to a “serious breach of its obligations as a Member,” specifically the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and prevent government interference in cricket governance, regulation, and administration in Sri Lanka.

Despite the ban, Sri Lanka was allowed to participate in international cricket in November 2023. However, the hosting rights for the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 were revoked from SLC, leading to the relocation of the competition to South Africa.

ICC Removes Ban on Sri Lanka Cricket

In a significant turn of events, the ICC has immediately lifted the ban on Sri Lanka. Sports Minister Harin Fernando confirms the news, and an official media release is set to follow shortly. Stay tuned for more details! #sportspavilionlka pic.twitter.com/EeUuebSA

The International Cricket Council has released a brief statement providing insights into the recent development. According to the ICC, the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket has been lifted with immediate effect. The suspension was imposed due to the cricket board’s failure to uphold its responsibilities as a member nation. Specifically, the cricket board was required to ensure the absence of government interference in the cricket governing body, a condition it failed to meet, leading to the suspension.

Nevertheless, during the ICC board meeting on November 21, it was determined that Sri Lanka could participate in international series. However, the hosting rights for the U19 World Cup were relocated to South Africa.

Sri Lanka endured a challenging campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023, finishing in the ninth position. The team grappled with numerous injuries, sidelining key players like Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga. Additionally, captain Dasun Shanaka had to withdraw mid-tournament due to injury.

Following Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe dismissed the entire Sri Lanka Cricket board due to alleged corruption within the organization. Ranasinghe subsequently established an interim committee, headed by former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga, to investigate the board’s affairs.

However, the Sri Lankan court overturned this decision, reinstating the country’s cricket board for a two-week period. With the recent lifting of the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket, the team can now focus on preparing for upcoming ICC tournaments.

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