In a decisive move reflective of the ongoing turmoil within Sri Lankan cricket governance, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has transferred the hosting rights of the next year’s men’s Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa. This significant decision comes a little more than a week after the ICC provisionally suspended the Sri Lankan cricket body, casting doubt over its capability to organize such high-profile events.
This suspension, a severe blow to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), was triggered by reports of government interference in the cricket affairs of the island nation—an act contrary to the ICC’s stronghold principle of the independence of its member bodies. Concerns were raised when SLC itself notified the global cricket governing body about intervention from the government, which has led to escalating tensions.
SLC and the nation’s Sports Ministry have been embroiled in a protracted dispute. Public accusations from the government allege that SLC officials engaged in corruption and mismanagement, charges that have contributed to the suspension and reassignment of the U-19 World Cup event, which was slated to occur from January 13 to February 4.
An ICC Board member, speaking to PTI, confirmed the change of venue, stating, “The U19 World Cup has been shifted to South Africa from Sri Lanka due to SLC’s suspension. In fact, participating nations were apprised some days back after SLC got suspended. South Africa hosted the U19 WC in 2020. The decision got approval at the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad.”
Despite this development, it was clarified that bilateral and domestic cricket in Sri Lanka would remain unaffected. Indeed, these rearrangements have not cast a shadow on the local games, but they have undoubtedly shaken the international confidence in the country’s cricket administration.
Earlier warnings about the potential loss of the event seemed to have come to fruition. SLC president Shammi Silva had cautioned that should the governmental interference persist, it could result in the forfeiture of their chance to host the U-19 World Cup.
Tensions have continued to simmer, and in a recent statement, SLC expressed its focus on resolving the suspension issue. However, it also accused the Minister of Sports of having a different agenda, one that purportedly included manipulating media narratives without addressing the concerns through legal channels.
“This raises concerns about its intention to influence public opinion and other stakeholders to achieve its objective of taking control of SLC through the misuse of his powers,” the statement said. The language reflects deep-seated distrust and the fraught relationship between the sport’s governing body in Sri Lanka and the government.
SLC has been vocal in calling for “a fair and unbiased examination of the facts,” insisting on their commitment to preserving the integrity of cricket and asserting their belief that the truth will eventually emerge, vindicating their stance.
The cricket world watches closely as Sri Lanka grapples with its internal challenges. The ICC has, in the meantime, stood firm on its governance policies, reaffirming that political entanglements have no place in the administrative functions of its member nations’ cricketing bodies.
With South Africa having successfully hosted the event in 2020, the ICC’s decision places the tournament in experienced hands. As the preparations for the Cricket Under-19 World Cup continue under the watchful eyes of South Africa, the hope remains that the spirit of cricket will prevail over the existing controversies and disputes in Sri Lanka.