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<\/p>\nSri Lanka are out of the Cricket World Cup <\/p>\n
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka with immediate effect after \u201cgovernment interference\u201d in the running of the sport in the country.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the country\u2019s sports minister announced the that the entire that the entirety of the cricket board had been sacked.<\/p>\n
The minister installed an interim committee led by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga but otherwise lacking in cricketing experience that included the sons of two politicians.<\/p>\n
However that inteim committee was subsequently struck down by the courts, with the old Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board reinstated. <\/p>\n
The changes came after a difficult Cricket World Cup that leaves Sri Lanka likely to miss out on qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. <\/p>\n
And while the conditions of their suspension are still to be decided, the news from the ICC comes as another significant blow to cricket in the country. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket\u2019s membership of the ICC with immediate effect,\u201d the ICC said in a statement. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka, who are led by former England seamer and coach Chris Silverwood, won just two of their nine World Cup group games.<\/p>\n
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Former England seamer Chris Silverwood is coach of Sri Lanka <\/p>\n
They had reached the final of the 2023 Asia Cup ahead of the tournament, but were thrashed by India after being bowled out for 50.<\/p>\n
Silverwood\u2019s side fared little better against the hosts during the World Cup, registering 55 all out in response to India\u2019s total of 357-8.<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka are currently ninth in the standings, with only the top eight finishers qualifying for the Champions Trophy in two years\u2019 time.<\/p>\n
They are level on points with England, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, who all have one more match to play. <\/p>\n
The city of Colombo, meanwhile, is due to host the men\u2019s U19 Cricket World Cup in January and February of next year.<\/p>\n