SLC optimistic for international return after constructive talks with ICC

Listen to Story Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is hoping that its international suspension would be lifted in March after ICC CEO Jeff Allardice recently held "constructive" talks with the country's president Ranil Wickremesinghe and sports minister Harin Fernando. The International Cricket Council suspended Sri Lanka in November of last year, citing political involvement in its operations, and the U 19 World Cup was subsequently moved to South Africa.

After his meeting with Allardice, Fernando stated on X (previously Twitter) that he had a ''good chat and a route forward for SLC. Allardice will now present his findings to the ICC board, which is scheduled to meet in March, and the suspension of Sri Lanka is expected to be on the table, among other things.

In fact, this was the second time an ICC representative had visited the island nation to assess the amount of political influence over cricket management. Imran Khwaja, the ICC Deputy Chair, conducted a visit to the country in June of last year to investigate the tumultuous cricketing situation. Roshan Ranasinghe, the predecessor of sports minister Harin Fernando, planned to replace the whole SLC board with an interim committee led by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga in November.

However, the action was challenged legally, and the judgement was stayed by the country's court of appeals. The ensuing suspension by the ICC was supported by several Sri Lankan officials. Ranasinghe was eventually dismissed from his post, raising optimism that the ban would be lifted at the following ICC board meeting.

Sri Lanka Cricket are now looking forward to the March conference, hoping for a positive resolution that will allow the country to continue its international cricket operations..