Sri Lanka Suffers Setback as Hasaranga Faces Suspension for Bangladesh Tests
In a significant blow to Sri Lanka, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been suspended for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. This development comes shortly after Hasaranga announced his decision to return to Test cricket, having previously retired from the format last year.
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Hasaranga was found guilty of breaching article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the third ODI in the recently-concluded series against Bangladesh. This article pertains to “dissent shown towards an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”
The incident in question took place in the 37th over of the game, where Hasaranga was seen snatching his cap from one of the umpires and openly criticizing the umpiring in the match. Bangladesh emerged victorious in the series, winning 2-1 after clinching the contest by four wickets.
Hasaranga was penalized with a 50 per cent fine and accumulated three demerit points for his offense. This has brought his total demerit points to eight within a 24-month period.
The all-rounder had already accumulated five demerit points after receiving three demerit points in the third T20I against Afghanistan in Dambulla last month. Consequently, he was suspended for two T20Is against Bangladesh.
With the addition of the latest demerit points, Hasaranga has breached the threshold of eight demerit points. As per article 7.6 of the Code, these have been converted into four suspension points.
The four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first. As a result, Hasaranga will miss the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against Bangladesh.
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Sri Lanka ODI skipper Kusal Mendis also faced a 50 per cent fine and three demerit points for a Level 2 offence. He was found guilty of “abusing the umpires while shaking hands with them” at the end of the third match.
This action breached article 2.13 of the Code, which relates to “Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match.” This was a first offence for Mendis in a 24-month period.
Both Hasaranga and Mendis have admitted to their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.