The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce its decision on the issues within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday. Due to the alleged government intervention leading to the suspension of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, the ICC should address the matter related to the Under-19 World Cup scheduled to take place in January 2024. The ICC board meeting is taking place in Ahmedabad.
While the ICC is deliberating on this matter, a court in Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended the SLC case until November 22, one day after the board meeting. The suspended SLC members have obtained a court order restraining the government from issuing a gazette notification, which resulted in the dismissal of SLC and the appointment of an interim committee led by Arjuna Ranatunga to oversee cricket in Sri Lanka. Initially, the court imposed a two-week stay on the implementation of the gazette notification, and now, upon the government’s request, it has postponed the case until Wednesday.
Meanwhile, it has come to light that the ICC’s decision to suspend SLC was made based on SLC’s request. In a series of letters, elected SLC president Shammi Silva urged the ICC to take action against the organization. In a letter dated November 9, Silva stated, “We urgently request the ICC to intervene for the protection of cricket’s interests in Sri Lanka. Your immediate attention and action on this matter are crucial to ensure the safeguarding of democratic processes within SLC.” The ICC adhered to broad principles and upheld the principles of cricket administration, securing the prestige of the sport in our country.
Silva, while demanding action from the ICC, mentioned that the country’s parliament is engaged in a debate centered on SLC’s autonomy, hosted by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Silva also claimed a threat to the homes and families of elected SLC members, stating that attempts were being made to extract funds from SLC for purposes unrelated to cricket by those unconnected to cricket.
The letter was addressed to ICC President Greg Barclay, and copies were sent to various ICC members, including BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Following this letter, before the first two letters, the ICC decided to suspend SLC on November 10.
Upon suspending SLC, the ICC stated, “The ICC Board met today and decided that Sri Lanka Cricket, as a member, is seriously breaching its obligations, particularly in managing its affairs independently, and it is essential to ensure that there is no government interference.” The ICC board will take appropriate action on the conditions of suspension in due course.
It is noteworthy that the ICC did not take similar actions in cases involving Cricket South Africa, Pakistan Cricket Board, and even Afghanistan Cricket Board with government interventions. However, an ICC official explained that the global body can only act when there is a complaint from a member. As reported earlier, the ICC has granted Silva permission to participate in Tuesday’s board meeting.