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ICC suspends Sri Lanka’s membership over political interference

Published:Saturday | November 11, 2023 | 12:10 AM
Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (centre) argues with umpires after he was declared timed out during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in New Delhi, India on November 6. Mathews who wasn’t ready to face his first ball w
AP
Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (centre) argues with umpires after he was declared timed out during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in New Delhi, India on November 6. Mathews who wasn’t ready to face his first ball within the stipulated two minutes became the first batter to be timed out in international cricket.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP):

The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Sri Lanka’s membership with immediate effect yesterday, citing government interference in its administration.

“The ICC board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is 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,” the sport’s governing body said in a news release.

Earlier this week, the ministry of sport sacked the national board – Sri Lanka Cricket – over the team’s poor performances at the 50-over World Cup in India.

A court decision reversed the ministry’s verdict, but it was still grounds for the ICC to take action.

Sri Lanka are ninth in the World Cup points’ standings after completing the league stage with only two wins from nine games.

They still need the remaining league games to go in their favour to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to host the Under-19 men’s World Cup, starting January.