In a much-anticipated turn of events, Sri Lanka’s sports minister, Harin Fernando, has confirmed the lifting of the ban imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This crucial development comes into immediate effect, marking a significant chapter for Sri Lankan cricket.
The ban on SLC was initiated by the ICC on November 10, 2023, citing a “serious breach of its obligations as a Member.” The primary concern was the requirement for cricket boards to manage their affairs autonomously, ensuring no government interference in the governance, regulation, and administration of cricket within their respective countries.
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, and the tournament was relocated to South Africa.
Sri Lanka’s sports minister, Harin Fernando, shared the breaking news on the ban being lifted, stating that an official media release would follow soon. The announcement was made through a tweet, creating a buzz in the cricketing community.
The ICC, in a subsequent press release, provided additional details on the decision. The cricketing governing body stated that after closely monitoring the situation since the suspension, they are satisfied that SLC is no longer in breach of its membership obligations. The initial suspension was a consequence of SLC’s failure to prevent government interference in its cricketing affairs.
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The press release from the ICC reads, “The International Cricket Council lifted the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today with immediate effect.”
During the ICC board meeting on November 21, it was decided that Sri Lanka could resume competing internationally in both bilateral cricket and ICC events. However, the hosting rights for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup remained shifted to South Africa, initially intended to be played in Sri Lanka.
This development comes as a welcome relief for Sri Lankan cricket, offering an opportunity for the nation to move past the challenges that led to the suspension. As Sri Lanka prepares for future cricketing endeavors, the focus will be on leveraging this reinstatement to rebuild and strengthen its cricketing structure.
It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka faced a challenging campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023, finishing in the ninth position. With the ban now lifted, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits Sri Lanka’s resurgence on the international stage.
