Lankan captain Hasaranga in hot waters

Friday, 23 February 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga could find himself facing disciplinary charges by the ICC for his critical comments made on umpire Lyndon Hannibal during the third and final T20I against Afghanistan at Dambulla.

“I think the umpire is unfit for international cricket. He’d better find some other job,” said Hasaranga at the end of the match which Sri Lanka lost by three runs.

The incident occurred in the final over with Sri Lanka requiring 11 runs to win and a high full toss delivered by fast bowler Wafadar Momand to batsman Kamindu Mendis passed well above his waist height but was not called a no-ball by Hannibal standing at square leg or by the head umpire Ravindra Wimalasiri.

A collective report by all four umpires officiating in the match has been handed over to ICC Match Referee Chris Broad.If Hasaranga’s conduct results in a Level 2 charge under the ICC Code of Conduct he could face a suspension of two or more T20I matches, if found guilty. He already has two demerit points accrued from previous offences.

Sri Lanka’s next series is in Bangladesh where they are due to play three T20I matches starting on 4 March in Sylhet.