BAN vs SL: Sri Lankan fans were delighted to hear the news of Wanindu Hasaranga coming out of retirement. They were hoping to see him don whites again in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting 22nd March.
The Sri Lankan spinner called it quits from Test format in August 2023 in a bid to focus completely on white-ball cricket. However, he reversed his decision and was subsequently added to Sri Lanka’s squad for the Test series against Bangladesh.
As it turned out, he needs to wait for his comeback as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned him for two Tests due to his exploits in the third ODI against Bangladesh which took place on 18th March.
Wanindu Hasaranga Suspended From BAN vs SL Test
It has been learned that Hasaranga breached article 2.8 of the player’s code of conduct, which relates to showing dissent against the umpire’s decision. As a result of that, he was fined 50% of his match fees and was issued three demerit points.
He has now accumulated a total of eight demerit points, which means that he has to miss either two Tests, four ODIs, or four T20Is, whichever comes first. It is worth mentioning the fact that had Hasaranga not come out of retirement, he would have missed the first four matches in the T20 World Cup 2024, which is slated to take place on 2nd June 2024.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s ODI captain, Kusal Mendis will also be fined 50 per cent of his match fees and three demerit points for his unacceptable behaviour on the field. He abused the umpire while shaking hands with him after the third ODI.
This 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 24 months.
Both Mendis and Hasaranga admitted their guilt and acknowledged the penalties imposed against them by match referee Andy Pycroft.
In the absence of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka has added Nishan Peiris and Kamindu Mendis into the attack for the upcoming series.
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