The Apex Cricket Council (ACC) has officially announced a venue change for the upcoming Under-19 Cricket World Cup, moving the hosting rights from Sri Lanka to South Africa. This decision comes in the wake of the suspension of the Sri Lankan cricket board due to alleged government interference.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, but the U-19 World Cup will now be hosted in South Africa, providing a new backdrop for the tournament that highlights emerging cricket talents worldwide. The relocation decision was made after thorough consideration, with the ACC emphasizing the importance of ensuring the seamless execution and success of the tournament.
The multi-team tournament is set to occur from January 13 to February 04. The decision has generated mixed reactions, with cricket enthusiasts in Sri Lanka expressing disappointment over losing the hosting rights for the prestigious youth tournament. Conversely, South Africa is enthusiastic about hosting the U-19 World Cup and is preparing to create a conducive environment for the participating teams.
While the cricketing community adjusts to this change, anticipation is growing for the 2024 U-19 World Cup in South Africa. The shift in venue adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, with teams and fans eagerly looking forward to witnessing the emergence of the next generation of cricket stars.
Sri Lanka Cricket suspended by ACC over breach of regulations
The ACC have suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) membership due to immediate government interference in the board’s work. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sport had previously dismissed the SLC’s board and installed an interim committee after the country’s disappointing performance in this year’s World Cup. However, this dismissal was temporarily halted by Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal.
“The Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member. In particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka. The conditions of the suspension will be decided by the ICC Board in due course,” the statement read.
