ICC considering lifting SLC suspension sooner than later
ICC CEO Geoff Allardice met local officials earlier this week
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will consider the possibility of lifting the suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after its CEO Geoff Allardice engaged in crucial discussions with the country’s Sports Minister Harin Fernando and President Ranil Wickremasinghe this week.
The suspension, which has been in place since last November, hasleft the cricketing fraternity in
Sri Lanka in a state of uncertainty and disappointment. The discussions between the ICC CEO and top Sri Lankans officials are being viewed as a positive step towards resolving the issues that led to the suspension.
SLC)remains suspended by the ICC since November last year after the country’s then Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe took extreme measures to send the incumbent administration home by appointing an interim administration headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga, citing widespread corruption and dwindling fortunes of the national team.
Though suspended, ICC allowed Sri Lanka’s participation in international cricket, including ICC-organized tournaments, but decided to relocate the U-19 World Cup to South Africa, causing significant financial losses.
Both parties reportedly discussed various aspects of administration and governance of cricket in Sri Lanka. The ICC CEO expressed the global cricketing body’s concerns and expectations for the necessary reforms to be implemented in the SLC constitution to align with the ICC constitution. President Wickremasinghe and the Sports Minister assured the ICC of their commitment to addressing the issues and implementing reforms that align with international standards.
ICC wants its members to be governed without any political interference, particularly not the appointment of interim administrations to run cricket affairs.
Sources aware of the discussions suggest that the Sri Lankan Government has outlined a comprehensive plan to bring about the required changes. This plan is said to include measures to enhance transparency, improve governance and ensure accountability within the administration of SLC.
The ICC has welcomed these proposals and is currently evaluating their feasibility and potential effectiveness. While no official statement has been released by the ICC as of yet, insiders suggest there is growing optimism that the suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket may be lifted shortly.
The CEO will now submit his findings to the ICC board to review and take necessary action.
Sri Lanka appointed an interim committee in 2015 and put SLC under a Competent Authority in 2018 but on both these occasions, the ICC was duly notified in advance, unlike last year when everyone including the country’s President said he did not know of the move.