ICC suspends Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have suffered a massive blow as International Cricket Council (ICC) have banned star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who had just come out of retirement to rejoin the Test squad. ICC has slapped Hasaranga with a two-match suspension as he is set to miss the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Notably, Hasaranga had already retired from Test cricket in August 2023 at the age of 26. Citing a desire for greater availability in franchise cricket tournaments, he stepped away from the longer format after just four matches. While his batting average was decent at 28.00, he only managed 4 wickets with the ball. Hasaranga is also set to represent SRH in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He was bought by SRH for Rs 1.5 crore from RCB in the IPL 2024 auction held in Dubai.
Sri Lanka's Test team selection for the upcoming series against Bangladesh took a surprising turn. On March 18th, the SLC announced the squad, which included the unexpected return of star all-rounder Hasaranga after his retirement in August 2023. This move fueled excitement as fans anticipated Hasaranga's return to regular Test cricket for Sri Lanka.
However, a recent suspension by the ICC shattered all such expectations.
Hasaranga breaches ICC's Code of Conduct
During the 37th over in the third ODI against Bangladesh, Hasaranga displayed dissent towards an umpire's decision. Specifically, he violated article 2.8, which prohibits 'showing dissent at an Umpire's decision during an International Match'.
The details of the incident reveal that Hasaranga snatched his cap from an umpire and expressed dissatisfaction with the umpiring. This behavior resulted in a 50% match fee fine and 3 demerit points added to his existing record. Unfortunately, due to accumulating 8 demerit points within the last 24 months, Hasaranga now faces a 4-suspension point penalty, translating to a ban for two Tests or four ODIs/T20Is, whichever comes first. This means he'll miss the entire Bangladesh Test series. So, Sri Lanka's Test team will have to adjust their plans without the recently-returned Hasaranga, adding another layer of complexity to their preparations for the upcoming series.
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Another blow for Sri Lanka
This was not it, Sri Lanka's cricket team dealt with another blow in the lead-up to the Test series against Bangladesh. Adding to Sri Lanka's woes, ODI captain Kusal Mendis has also been penalised for his actions after the same match. He breached article 2.13, which prohibits personal abuse of umpires. While shaking hands after the ODI loss, Mendis reportedly "abused the umpires," leading to a 50 per cent match fee fine and 3 demerit points.
Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka has some reason for optimism. They recently secured a 2-1 victory in the T20I series against Bangladesh. The upcoming Test series kicks off on Friday, March 22, in Sylhet, with the second and final Test scheduled for March 30th in Chattogram. Sri Lanka will need to adjust their plans for the Test series in the absence of both Hasaranga and Mendis.
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