February 24, 2024 – Sri Lanka’s T20I captain and the second-ranked T20I bowler on the ICC Men’s Player Rankings, Wanindu Hasaranga, has received a two-match suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
This comes after his demerit points reached five within a 24-month period, following a recent breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. Hasaranga was fined 50% of his match fee and received three demerit points for a breach of Article 2.13, which pertains to “Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, or Match Referee during an International Match.”
The accumulation of five demerit points converts to two suspension points, leading to his ban from participating in Sri Lanka’s first two T20Is against Bangladesh next month. The incident occurred after the third T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Dambulla when Hasaranga approached umpire Lyndon Hanibal to express criticism regarding a decision on a high full toss that was not called a no-ball.
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also faced consequences for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the same match. Rahmanullah was fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point for disobeying an umpire’s instruction regarding altering the grip of his bat on the field.
Both players admitted to the offenses and accepted the sanctions proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Formal hearings were deemed unnecessary due to their cooperation.
The charges were brought forth by on-field umpires Lyndon Hannibal and Raveendra Wimalasiri, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, and fourth umpire Ranmore Martinez.
Despite the disciplinary actions, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, securing a 2-1 win. Hasaranga’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Series award, showcasing his significant contributions to the team’s success.
The suspension of Hasaranga, a key player for Sri Lanka, raises questions about the team’s strategy and lineup for the upcoming T20Is against Bangladesh. Fans and cricket enthusiasts will be closely watching how Sri Lanka copes with the absence of their talented skipper in the crucial matches ahead.
