A concerned Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis on Sunday hoped the ICC’s suspension of the nation’s cricket body will not affect the upcoming fixtures of the national team and the preparations for the men’s U19 World Cup here early next year.
Sri Lanka have a busy schedule next year, starting with Zimbabwe touring the island nation in January-February for a limited-overs series. The 2024 men’s U19 World Cup will commence in the island nation on January 13 with 16 teams competing.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been in turmoil ever since the Mendis-led team exited the World Cup, losing seven of the nine matches they played in India.
“We hope the suspension will end soon, enabling us to practice for our schedule ahead. It will be good for the hosting of the Under-19 World Cup too,” Mendis told the media on arrival from India.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had on Friday suspended Sri Lanka, a full-member, after observing government interference in the national board.
Asked about the crushing defeats to India this year, where Sri Lanka were bowled out for less than 100 runs on three occasions, Mendis’ rather surprising answer was: “We had performed well against them despite being bowled out for 50 and 55.”
India had bowled out Sri Lanka for 50 runs in the Asia Cup final in Colombo in September and again reduced them to 55 all out in a World Cup league match.
