Charges laid against 3 Sri Lankan cricketers for breaching bio-secular regulations

Danushka Gunathilake

Kusal Mendis

Niroshan Dickwella

• SLC ExCo slaps 1-year ban on international cricket; 6-month ban on domestic cricket 

The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that met yesterday has given due consideration to the recommendations made by the independent Panel of Inquiry into the charges laid against three Sri Lankan cricketers Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella and decided to reduce the recommended ban from all forms of cricket from two years to one and allowed the cricketers to resume playing domestic cricket after a ban of six months.

Further the ExCo has decided to fine each of the players Rs. 10 million.

In a media release, SLC stated that consequent to the recommendations made by the Independent Panel of Inquiry appointed by SLC, under allegations of:

1. Breaching COVID-19 safety guidelines, instructions and regulations of the team management and by the said act putting into jeopardy the safety of said players, fellow team members and others involved in the said tour, and

2. Violating the instructions and regulations of the team management with regard to the team curfew by failing to be at the hotel room by 10.30 p.m.

3. By such actions, bringing disrepute to Sri Lanka Cricket and the country.

In further consideration of the impact to the individual players, and their contribution to the national team, the ExCo has decided unanimously to impose the following punitary measures on the said three players: 

1. A fine of Rs. 10 million for each player. 

2. One-year ban from all forms of international cricket and a six months ban from domestic cricket

3. 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.

4. Mandatory counselling under a doctor recommended by the SLC.