Sri Lanka Cricket Governing Body Suspended for Political Interference, Government Plans ICC Complaint
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to alleged political interference in its operations. The suspension, which was announced on Friday, has prompted the Sri Lankan government to file a complaint with the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, labeling the suspension as illegal. The country’s sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the need for specific charges and an opportunity to respond.
The ICC’s decision to suspend Sri Lanka Cricket comes after the entire board led by Shammi Silva was dismissed by Ranasinghe following a devastating 302-run defeat against India in the ICC World Cup match held in Mumbai. However, the Court of Appeals intervened and reinstated the board, overturning the minister’s drastic action.
While the ICC cited political interference as the reason for suspension, it refrained from providing detailed charges against the SLC. Ranasinghe stressed the importance of first receiving the charges and then being given an opportunity to respond. Should the Dispute Resolution Committee fail to address their concerns, the Sri Lankan government plans to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
The ICC stated that Sri Lanka Cricket had breached its obligations as a member by failing to manage its affairs autonomously and prevent government interference. The suspension follows a request made by Sri Lanka’s parliament for the board’s resignation based on allegations of financial impropriety. Ranasinghe had accused the board of misappropriating millions of dollars. The conditions of the suspension will be determined by the ICC board at a later date.
The impact of the suspension on Sri Lanka’s hosting of the Under 19 World Cup in January remains uncertain. The local board has expressed concerns regarding a potential loss of a $2.4 million grant earmarked for the development of local venues if the tournament is disrupted due to the suspension.
The cricket board crisis, which has thrust the wealthiest sporting organization in Sri Lanka into turmoil, was triggered by the national team’s humiliating defeat against India in the World Cup. The elected board members were unanimously requested to resign by parliament, accusing them of unprecedented corruption.
The board’s dismissal by the sports minister resulted in ongoing litigation, with the Court of Appeal temporarily restoring the board pending a hearing in two weeks. The ICC has previously suspended Sri Lanka over issues pertaining to political interference.
As the situation unfolds, Sri Lanka Cricket and the government hope for a fair resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport and allows the national team to continue participating at the international level. The allegations of corruption and political meddling will need to be addressed transparently to restore confidence in the cricketing community. Only time will tell how this suspension will be resolved and its ultimate impact on Sri Lankan cricket.
