The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) due to off-field reasons. It is unknown how the suspension will impact the Sri Lankan cricket team, but looking at how suspensions have played out in the past, it looks like Sri Lanka will miss WTC and ICC events until the suspension is lifted.
Sri Lanka is one of the nine teams participating in the ICC World Test Championship since the inaugural edition of the mega event. The third cycle of the mega event has started, and Sri Lanka have suffered two defeats in two matches they have played so far.
If Sri Lanka is not given the green signal to play in WTC, then some other team will have to replace them and play their remaining five series. Here are three teams which can take their place.
1. Afghanistan is likely to replace Sri Lanka in WTC
Afghanistan surprised the cricket universe by their fantastic performance in the ODI World Cup. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led outfit won four out of their nine matches and finished sixth in the final standings. They also qualified for Champions Trophy. Looking at Afghanistan’s rise, ICC can reward them with a place in the World Test Championship.
2. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is the oldest Test-playing nation to not any match in the World Test Championship. The African nation has recorded some historic wins in Test cricket. Considering the history, the International Cricket Council can give a chance to Zimbabwe.
3. Ireland
Ireland were one of the two new entrants in Test cricket in 2018. The Irish team knows how to play Test cricket now, and if given more exposure in the World Test Championship, the Ireland cricket team can benefit a lot as well.
