Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella have been handed a one-year ban from all formats of international cricket. The Sri Lankan trio who were involved in the breach of the bio-secure bubble in Durham in June have also been banned from playing domestic cricket for six months.
Sri Lanka were in England in June earlier this year for a limited-overs tour which comprised three T20Is and as many ODIs. After the completion of the T20I series, the team travelled to Durham for the first ODI. And Gunathilaka, Mendis, and Dickwella were caught for breaching the bio-secure bubble.
The trio were immediately suspended and sent back to Sri Lanka which saw them miss the rest of the tour. They were also ignored for the ODI and T20I series against India at home.
The Sri Lanka Cricket board had set up an executive panel to investigate the matter, and it was upon their recommendation that the Sri Lankan trio received the ban. They will also be fined 10 million Sri Lankan Rupees. Besides this, they will undergo a ban of another year after completing the first year, but that will be a suspended sentence of two years.
SLC’s release stated highlighting the unanimous decision to impose the recommendations of the Executive Committee of SLC:
A fine of Sri Lanka Rupees 10 Million for each player. A one-year ban from all forms of international cricket and a six months ban from domestic cricket.
Upon completion of the said one year ban, each player will be subjected to a further ban of one year from playing international cricket which will be suspended for a period of two years. Mandatory counselling under a doctor recommended by the board.
This means that the trio will miss the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be played in October-November in the UAE.
