Due to administrative issues within Sri Lanka Cricket, the ICC has just decided to move the Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa. The choice was taken during the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad, where it was also decided to keep Sri Lanka Cricket suspended, as it has been since November 10.
Tuesday, November 21, at ITC Narmada in Ahmedabad, was the day for the board meeting that former ICC president Sammi Silva, who was removed from office, attended. Originally set for January 14–February 15, the Under-19 World Cup would have conflicted with the second SA20 tournament, which was to take place from January 10–February 10. Cricket South Africa (CSA) guaranteed that both competitions could go place at the same time because the T20 league is run separately from CSA.
Due to its better infrastructure, South Africa was chosen to host the Under-19 World Cup, and the country committed to three venues for the multi-nation competition. The ICC board determined that the Sri Lankan team will play international cricket despite the suspension of SLC, with SLC providing financing for the team’s continued participation.
“The board decided unanimously that the suspension cannot be removed. The nation’s cricket matches will go on as usual, an insider told Cricbuzz.
Silva stated that he wanted cricket to continue unhindered in the nation and that he had asked the ICC board to grant the request, and that the board members had kindly complied.
“I have requested the ICC board to allow the game to continue and the members have upheld our request,” Silva stated to Cricbuzz.
The U-19 World Cup will take place in South Africa without any problems, giving cricket fans the chance to enjoy the eagerly awaited competition. Despite administrative uncertainty, the ICC is dedicated to preserving the essence of cricket as it progresses in Sri Lanka.