The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), saying that it is in a state of leadership vacuum due to the dual existence of the cricket governing body.

Nepali cricket has long been in crisis after a faction of the previous CAN committee led by Tanka Aangbuhang held its general assembly and subsequently elections without support from the National Sports Council (NSC), the country’s supreme governing body of sports.

NSC had refused to give legitimacy to the new body, under Chatur Bahadur Chand, formed on December 15 following controversial elections not contested by then CAN president Aangbuhang and his faction.

NSC, on February 26, formed an ad-hoc committee under Ramesh Silwal.

But after the Chand-led body moved the court challenging the NSC decision, which is still pending, Nepali cricket has been in crisis.

Under such circumstances, the ICC recently hosted the World Cricket League Championship matches against Namibia with its direct involvement.

“In light of the ongoing court case involving the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the ad hoc committee established by Nepal’s National Sports Council (NSC), which has led to a vacuum of cricket leadership in Nepal, the [ICC] Board has suspended the membership of CAN for breach of Article 2.9 of the ICC’s Articles of Association, which prohibits government interference and requires free and fair elections,” the ICC said on its official website. The suspension means Nepal will not receive any fund from the ICC. The national cricket team, however, will be able to participate in international tournaments.

“The ICC management will also now work with the Nepali cricket community, and other stakeholders, in order to assist in the development of a sustainable governance and administration structure for cricket in Nepal,” the statement added. “Until the CAN becomes free of government interference and is properly structured to begin exploiting the tremendous cricket talent and opportunities that exist in Nepal, the membership of CAN will remain suspended,” the ICC said.