ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket membership over political interference

The International Cricket Council suspended Sri Lanka’s membership with immediate effect on Friday, citing government interference in its administration, reports The Associated Press. 

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

It still needs the remaining league games to go in its favour to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

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