South Africa to Host U-19 World Cup, Sri Lanka Gains International Competition Opportunity

Sri Lanka’s cricket board has been suspended from the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to government interference, with immediate effect. This decision came after the country’s poor performance at this year’s World Cup. The ministry of sport had earlier dismissed the SLC board and replaced it with an interim committee. However, the sacking was later stayed by Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal.

On November 21st, the ICC confirmed that Sri Lanka would be allowed to continue competing internationally in both bilateral cricket and ICC events. However, there were conditions attached to this decision. Sri Lanka would no longer host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, with South Africa now set to host the event instead.

In addition to these decisions, the ICC also approved new gender eligibility regulations for international women’s cricket. Any male or female participant who has been through any form of male puberty will not be allowed to participate in international women’s cricket matches. The Chief Executives’ Committed (CEC) also introduced a stop clock on a trial basis in men’s ODI and T20I cricket from December 2023 to April 2024, which will regulate the amount of time taken between overs. If a bowling team is not ready to bowl within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a five-run penalty will be imposed for every third time it happens in an innings.

Despite being suspended from membership, Sri Lanka is still free to compete internationally but under certain conditions.