The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lankan's cricketer Praveen Jayawickrama for violating the ICC's Anti-Corruption Code. The 26-year-old left-arm spinner admitted to the corruption charges and has been suspended for six months, effective immediately. While the ICC did not disclose the specific incident leading to the ban, it confirmed that the violation occurred during international matches and the Lanka Premier League.
"Jayawickrama admitted to being in breach of the following provision under the Code Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the ACU, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code," the ICC media release said.
"As a result of the admission, Jayawickrama has accepted a sanction of a one-year period of ineligibility, of which the last six months are suspended. The charges relate to international cricket and the Lanka Premier League. The ICC, in agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket, acted in accordance with Articles 1.7.4.1 and 1.8.1 of the Code," ICC's statement further added.
Jayawickrama, a promising Sri Lankan cricketer, made a sensational debut in Test cricket against Bangladesh in 2021, claiming 11 wickets in the match. This record-breaking performance, however, was not followed by consistent success, and he only featured in five Test matches.
Jayawickrama's international appearances also included five ODIs and five T20Is, with his last match coming in 2022. He has participated in the Lanka Premier League, representing Jaffna Kings in 2021 and 2022, and more recently, the Dambulla Sixers in 2023. In 2024, Jayawickrama played for Moors in the domestic List A tournament, where he impressed with 10 wickets in just four innings.
Jayawickrama will be aiming to serve his ban and make a comeback to the Sri Lankan national team, which is currently performing exceptionally well under the guidance of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Sanath Jayasuriya has successfully transformed the Sri Lankan team, leading them to some remarkable victories. They recently dominated India in a home ODI series, followed by a historic Test win over England on their own turf. Most notably, Sri Lanka recently clinched a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in a two-match Test series.
