Sri Lanka intends to challenge its suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC), as announced by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe on Saturday, in the aftermath of the national team's disappointing performance in the World Cup.
The ICC, the governing body of the sport, swiftly suspended the membership of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday, citing government interference in the country's cricket affairs. The Ministry of Sport in Sri Lanka sought to disband the SLC board and replace it with an interim committee due to the poor World Cup showing. However, the country's Court of Appeal has temporarily halted this move.
Furthermore, the Colombo parliament unanimously endorsed a proposal last Thursday to oust the leadership of SLC.
Ranasinghe, addressing the issue on Saturday, refuted claims of political interference in Sri Lankan cricket and criticized the ICC's decision, stating that it was unexpected and lacked ethical considerations.
"This is not the appropriate procedure. When the ICC or any governing body imposes a ban, there is usually a lengthy process, but this was sudden, and it is not morally sound," remarked Ranasinghe to reporters.
SLC officials denied corruption allegations separately and expressed their commitment to collaborating with Ranasinghe to overturn the ICC suspension.
Sri Lanka's World Cup performance was subpar, with only two wins in nine games, placing them in the ninth position out of ten teams, leading to their elimination from the competition.
After the resignation of SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva and the removal of the board, Ranasinghe disclosed the formation of an interim committee led by former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga. However, ousted SLC President Shammi Silva contested the dismissal in court and secured a two-week stay order, with a full hearing scheduled to follow.
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