ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket membership due to govt interference

Colombo: In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday took the unprecedented step of suspending the membership of Sri Lanka Cricket, citing interference by the government in the cricket board's affairs.

The decision was promptly communicated through an official statement by the ICC spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, during a crucial board meeting, it was unanimously agreed that Sri Lanka Cricket's actions amounted to a breach of ICC regulations. The suspension was implemented immediately, raising questions about the future course of action and potential repercussions for Sri Lanka's cricketing status.

The ICC is set to outline the terms and conditions for the suspension, shedding light on the criteria and timeline for its resolution. The suspension underscores the global cricketing body's commitment to upholding principles of autonomy and non-interference in cricket administration.

The recent developments were set in motion by the resignation of Sri Lanka's Minister of Sports, Roshan Ranasinghe, from the cricket board, citing corruption allegations within the organization. Subsequently, Arjuna Ranatunga, former captain of the 1996 World Cup-winning team, assumed the role of interim chairman. However, the situation took a legal turn as Shammi Silva, the former president of the cricket board, challenged the Ministry of Sports' decision in court.

The Appellate Court's decision to dissolve the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and halt the implementation of the interim committee adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing cricketing saga in Sri Lanka.