Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe announced on Saturday that Sri Lanka intends to appeal its suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC), following a disappointing performance in the World Cup. The ICC, citing government interference, suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) membership with immediate effect on Friday.
The move came in response to the Sri Lankan ministry of sport’s decision to dismiss the SLC board and install an interim committee, a move currently halted by the country’s Court of Appeal. Additionally, the parliament in Colombo unanimously supported a proposal to oust the SLC leadership.
Ranasinghe, addressing reporters, denied allegations of political interference in Sri Lankan cricket and criticized the ICC for not following standard procedures in imposing the ban. He expressed dismay, stating, “How can they condemn our country like this?” SLC officials, rejecting corruption allegations, pledged to collaborate with Ranasinghe to lift the ICC suspension.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign saw them win only two out of nine games, placing them ninth in the 10-team standings and eliminating them from the competition. The resignation of SLC secretary Mohan de Silva and the dismissal of the board led to the formation of an interim committee chaired by former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga. However, ousted SLC President Shammi Silva has contested the dismissal in court, securing a two-week stay order with a full hearing pending.
