ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: After the Sri Lankan government intervened to remove the entire board on November 9, the ICC decided to suspend Sri Lanka cricket’s membership with immediate effect. The decision follows Sri Lanka’s dismal World Cup performance.
Important Points
- Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports has sacked the board of the cricket authority.
- It came after a disastrous World Cup in which they won only two of their nine matches.
- Government meddling in any country’s cricket body is a violation of ICC rules.
England’s next Test season was jeopardized on Friday when cricket’s governing body kicked Sri Lanka out of the game, claiming ‘political involvement.’ The International Cricket Council suspended Sri Lanka for being ‘in serious breach of their obligations as a member’ following their government’s decision earlier this week to sack the SLC board and install an interim committee to run the country’s cricket, led by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
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It followed Sri Lanka’s dismal World Cup campaign under former England coach Chris Silverwood, in which they won only two of their nine games and were bowled out for 55 by India despite thrashing England by eight wickets. If the ruling stands, the consequences would extend to England, which is set to host Sri Lanka for a three-test series next summer following the earlier visit of the West Indies.
Following an epic Ashes series last summer, ticket-buying public interest in those matches at Old Trafford, Lord’s, and the Oval has been higher than usual, but the ECB will wait to see how this disagreement plays out before seeking other opponents. The decision was taken at the request of the previous Sri Lankan board, despite the fact that the ICC continues to recognize fired SLC cricket president Shammi Silva and his colleagues.
However, the Sri Lankan government’s involvement in cricket concerns is not unprecedented, having a long history of political influence in the national sport. And the ICC has opened themselves up to charges of double standards by allowing Afghanistan to compete in this year’s World Cup and deliver one of its best tales by winning four matches despite the Taliban’s ban on their women’s squad.
‘The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member,’ it said in a statement.
‘In particular, the obligation to run its business autonomously and to avoid government meddling in the governance, regulation, and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka. ‘The suspension circumstances will be set by the ICC Board in due time.’
The ICC is also investigating France Cricket on allegations that they staged bogus games to demonstrate their commitment to women’s cricket and win financing. The ICC has suspended a ‘full member’ country for the second time in four years, after the decision to suspend Zimbabwe Cricket in 2019, resulting in a funding freeze and the closure of all cricketing operations in the country.
When it comes to Sri Lanka, the governing body is expected to walk considerably more gingerly, and the next moves will be discussed at an ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad following next week’s World Cup final. Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign began with a 428-run defeat to New Zealand, followed by defeats to Pakistan and Australia. They bounced back with a five-wicket victory over the Netherlands and an eight-wicket victory over England, whom they bowled out for 156.
However, a seven-wicket loss to Afghanistan was followed by a humiliating 302-run thumping by hosts India, who bowled them out for just 55. With defeats to Bangladesh and New Zealand, they are unlikely to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy by finishing in the top eight. Angelo Mathews was the first player in International cricket history to be timed out during the Bangladesh game. It happened after Shakib-Al-Hasan appealed, claiming that he wasn’t ready to face his first ball within the requisite two minutes of stepping out to bat due to a helmet issue.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Sri Lanka suspended from the ICC?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect due to excessive government meddling in the board’s management.
Why was Angelo Matthews timed out?
Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka has created cricket history by becoming the first player to be timed out at the international level. Mathews came into bat with Sri Lanka 135-4 after 24.2 overs against Bangladesh, but was slow to take the crease due to a helmet issue.
Is Sri Lanka out of the Cricket World Cup 2023?
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Sri Lanka leaves the World Cup quietly, but a familiar commotion is brewing at home.
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