On Sunday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially revoked the suspension imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect. In a statement released, the ICC Board conveyed, “The International Cricket Council lifted the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today with immediate effect. The ICC Board has been monitoring the situation since the suspension and is now satisfied that SLC is no longer in breach of membership obligations.”
The genesis of this suspension traces back to November 2023 when the ICC took decisive action in response to a tumultuous period in Sri Lankan cricket. The political turbulence unfolded with the installation of an interim committee led by Arjun Ranatunga by the Sri Lanka Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Adding to the upheaval, the entire SLC board faced suspension following a significant loss to India in the Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s lacklustre performance in the tournament, securing only two wins out of nine matches, also contributed to the decision. Furthermore, their failure to clinch a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 intensified the scrutiny.
SLC released a statement: “However, pursuant to SLC President Shammi Silvas’s fervent appen to the Members, the ICC Board has carved out an exception permitting Sri Lankans to compete internationally in bilateral and ICC events, despite the suspension.”
The ICC Board convened on November 21 and determined that while Sri Lanka faced suspension, they could continue participating in international cricket, including bilateral series and ICC events. However, the ongoing U19 men’s Cricket World Cup, originally slated for Sri Lanka, was relocated to South Africa. This move underscored the severity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive resolution.
Sri Lanka’s return to international cricket post-suspension was facilitated by a compelling plea from President Shammi Silva to the ICC board members. His impassioned appeal sought an exception for Sri Lanka, allowing the nation to resume international cricket despite the suspension.
Since then, Sri Lanka has already hosted Zimbabwe for a white-ball series earlier this year, marking their reintegration into the global cricketing landscape. The lifting of the suspension reflects the ICC’s acknowledgement of the efforts made by Sri Lanka Cricket to rectify the issues that led to the initial ban, signifying a positive turn of events for the cricketing nation.
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