ICC suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket stays, funding restricted 

• Sri Lanka allowed to compete internationally in bilateral and ICC events despite the suspension
• ICC Annual Conference scheduled to be held in Colombo in July 2024 will be shifted elsewhere

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board convened on 21 November 2023 in Ahmedabad where the question of Sri Lanka’s suspension from the ICC was taken up. 

Participating in the proceedings as an observer, the SLC President Shammi Silva urged the Board to grant additional time for the Sri Lankan Government to rectify the issue of political interference in cricket. 

However, the ICC Board, taking cognisance of similar suspensions imposed by World Rugby and FIFA in response to political interference, concluded that ample time had already been afforded to the Sri Lankan Government to address and rectify the issue. 

Consequently, the Board confirmed the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket. 

As such, the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket will persist until the appointment of the Interim Committee to take over the functions of SLC remains in force. 

Consequently, the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, initially awarded to Sri Lanka and to be held in January and February 2024, will now be awarded to South Africa. 

Further, the ICC Annual Conference scheduled to be held in Colombo in July 2024 will also be shifted. 

Funding to SLC during the suspension will also be severely restricted. The Board decided not to recognize any interim committee and will continue to recognise the elected office bearers of SLC, albeit in an observer capacity due to the suspension. 

However, pursuant to SLC President Shammi Silva’s fervent appeal to the Members, the ICC Board has carved out an exception permitting Sri Lanka to compete internationally in bilateral and ICC events, despite the suspension.