The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended the membership of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) according a statement released by the world cricket governing body on Monday (April 25, 2016).

The ICC Board meeting held at its headquarters in Dubai on Sunday cited government interference to be the reason behind the suspension of CAN.

As per the statement, the ICC suspended CAN for breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC’s Articles of Association, which prohibits government interference and requires free and fair elections.

“In light of the ongoing court case involving the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Ad
hoc Committee established by the National Sports Council (NSC), which has led to a vacuum of cricket leadership in Nepal, the Board suspended the Membership of CAN for breach of Article 2.9 of the ICC’s Articles of Association,” reads the release.

Currently there are two committees for governing cricket in Nepal — an elected committee led by President Chatur Bahadur Chand and an ad hoc committee having Ramesh Silwal as president.

A midnight election, despite objections from outgoing president Tanka Angbuhang, elected a 17-member executive committee under the leadership of Chand in December last year.

However, the NSC formed a 15-member committee under the leadership of Silwal and suspended the elected committee.

The ICC decision means CAN will not be entitled to receive any ICC funding. However, ICC decided that the Nepali cricket teams would be able to continue to feature in ICC events.