Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) faces an immediate suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to alleged government interference, as stated by the sport’s governing body on Friday (November 10).
In response to Sri Lanka’s poor performance in the recent World Cup, the country’s Ministry of Sport replaced the SLC board with an interim committee. However, this move was contested in Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal, putting the sacking on hold. The ICC Board convened and concluded that SLC is in serious violation of its member obligations, specifically emphasizing the need for autonomous management without government interference in cricket governance.
The ICC Board will determine the conditions of the suspension in due course. Sri Lanka won only two out of nine games in the World Cup, ranking ninth in the standings. SLC has not yet commented on the ICC’s decision.
Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe criticized SLC as “traitorous and corrupt,” urging board members to resign. Following the resignation of SLC secretary Mohan de Silva, Ranasinghe formed an interim committee chaired by former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga. Ousted SLC President Shammi Silva sought legal intervention against the dismissal, obtaining a two-week stay order with a full hearing pending. The matter has also been discussed in Sri Lanka’s parliament.
Addressing allegations of a $2 million transfer, SLC clarified that funds were used for operational expenses and not transferred out of their accounts. SLC explained its practice of transferring funds from USD to local currency to meet regular operational expenses.
