DUBAI: In a major development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Sunday lifted its ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect.

ICC suspended Sri Lanka’s membership during the ICC World Cup 2023 in November due to their government’s constant interference in board affairs.

“The International Cricket Council lifted the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today with immediate effect,” the ICC said in a press release.

“On 10 November 2023, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were suspended for violation of responsibilities as an ICC Member, in particular, "the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.”

Even though the ban has been lifted, Sri Lanka lost the hosting rights of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which is now being currently played in South Africa.

“The ICC Board met on 21 November and it was decided that Sri Lanka can continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events, but the ongoing U19 Men's Cricket World Cup was moved to South Africa, having initially been set to be played in Sri Lanka.

“The ICC Board has been monitoring the situation since the suspension and are now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations,” the press release concluded.

It must be noted that the ICC said in November that Sri Lanka Cricket was “in serious breach” of its obligations as a member, highlighting “the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and to ensure that there is no government interference”.

ICC banned Sri Lanka cricket just a day after their parliament asked the board to resign over allegations by sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe that it had syphoned off millions of dollars.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 29 2024

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