ICC Moves U-19 Cricket World Cup 2024 from Sri Lanka to South Africa Amid Administrative Uncertainty at SLC

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:53:02 GMT

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the relocation of the upcoming Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa. This decision follows the recent suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) by the ICC due to administrative uncertainty.

The ICC took action on November 10, suspending SLC with immediate effect, citing a breach of obligations as a member, particularly in managing its affairs autonomously and without government interference. The move came in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe dismissing the entire SLC board following the national team’s disappointing performance in the World Cup, where they finished in the ninth position out of ten teams and failed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Despite Ranasinghe appointing former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga to head an interim committee for SLC, the Sri Lankan Court of Appeal issued a two-week stay order on this decision, reinstating the SLC regime led by President Shammi Silva. Subsequently, the Sri Lankan parliament’s resolution seeking the removal of the cricket board played a pivotal role in the ICC’s decision to relocate the Under-19 World Cup.

Under-19 World Cup Relocated to South Africa Amid Sri Lanka Cricket Turmoil

In the aftermath of the upheaval within Sri Lanka Cricket, the ICC has decided to move the upcoming edition of the Under-19 World Cup to South Africa, as reported by Cricbuzz. The decision was reached during an ongoing ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad.

According to the report, the ICC has affirmed its decision to suspend the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after thorough deliberation. Despite the suspension being upheld, the ICC assures that cricket involving the Sri Lankan team will proceed without interruption.

“It was a unanimous decision by the board that the suspension cannot be lifted. Cricket in the country will continue as normal,” a source informed Cricbuzz.

Originally slated to take place in Sri Lanka in January and February of the next year, the Under-19 World Cup was set to be the country’s third hosting, following the competitions in 2000 and 2006. With the relocation, South Africa steps in as the new host, and the tournament is expected to feature 16 participating teams.