On January 28, ICC revoked the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket. The suspension lasted more than two months.
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On November 10, a day after their last match at the 2023 World Cup (where they finished ninth out of ten teams), the ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect.
The ICC had found out that the board was “in serious breach of its obligations as a 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.”
ICC’s decision was prompted by a series of events in Sri Lanka. It met with criticism, especially in the aftermath of them turning a blind eye towards the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s refusal towards developing women’s cricket in the country.
Thursday: ICC CEO says the ACB are operating within the laws of the (Taliban) government, and thus can remain a full member while women are excluded from cricket.
Friday: ICC suspends SLC for their own government interfering with the board.
Can they not see themselves?
— Katya Witney (@Katya_Wisden) November 10, 2023
The suspension did not prevent the Sri Lankan teams from playing, but it stripped them of the right to host the 2024 Under-19 Men’s World Cup, which was subsequently moved to South Africa.
Also, don't forget, the suspension of SLC not only affects the Senior Men's team – the Men's U19 WC is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in January, while the Senior Women's side have an important tour of South Africa to come in early 2024 too. #SLCSuspended
— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) November 10, 2023
On January 28, 2024, the ICC lifted the suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect.
“SLC was suspended in November for being in serious breach of its obligations 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,” ran the ICC media release.
“The Board have been monitoring the situation since the suspension and are now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations,” they added.
During the suspension, Sri Lanka Men hosted Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is. After playing in the Asia Cup in Dubai, the Under-19s team are now playing in the World Cup.
