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Sri Lanka Cricket (Source: X)
After a tumultuous two months shrouded in political turmoil and sporting uncertainty, the Apex Cricket Council has lifted its suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect. The decision sends a wave of relief and elation across the island nation, where cricket is woven into the very fabric of identity.
The ban, imposed in November 2023, stemmed from government interference in the administration of SLC, a violation of the ICC's membership criteria. The ensuing weeks saw a whirlwind of events, with court orders reinstating and ousting administrations, leaving the cricketing fraternity in limbo. The cancellation of Sri Lanka's hosting rights for the Under-19 World Cup added salt to the wound, amplifying the sense of isolation and despair.
However, behind the scenes, efforts were underway to address the Apex Body's concerns. The Sri Lankan government assured the governing body of its commitment to respecting SLC's autonomy, paving the way for dialogue and resolution. "The Board has been monitoring the situation since the suspension and is now satisfied that SLC is no longer in breach of membership obligations," the Apex Cricket Council stated in a statement that was released yesterday.
Sri Lanka hope for better performances
The lifting of the ban brings much-needed normalcy back to the cricketing calendar. Sri Lanka's national team can resume its international commitments, be it bilateral cricket or major tournaments.
Sri Lankan cricket stands at a crossroads. The lifting of the ban is a cause for celebration, but also a call to action. By addressing the internal fractures and building a future grounded in transparency and good governance, Sri Lanka can once again become a cricketing force to be reckoned with. The roar of the Lankan Lions may have been silenced for a time, but now they have the chance to rise again, stronger and more resilient than ever before. The island nation eagerly awaits the next chapter in the saga of Sri Lankan cricket, a story promising redemption, passion, and the indomitable spirit of a cricket-loving nation.