Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has lifted the one-year suspension imposed on Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella. In July the trio was suspended in July 2021 after being found guilty of breaching bio-bubble protocols during their England tour.
“The latest decision was taken following a request made by the three players to Sri Lanka Cricket to lift the ban imposed on them, pursuant to the conclusion of the LPL 2021, Based on such request, Sri Lanka Cricket obtained a report from the doctor appointed by SLC to provide counselling for the three players during their period of suspension,” a Sri Lanka Cricket media release stated.
The trio was suspended during England tour in July 2021.
Earlier the trio made a request to allow them to play domestic tournaments like Lanka Premier League. However, the release stated if the trio ends up in any disciplinary breach in the next two years, the remainder of suspension will be imposed.
“However, the lifted suspension will remain suspended for a period of two years, during which the 03 players’ conduct will be closely monitored by the SLC,” the release said.
“Accordingly, the 3 players will be able to engage in playing domestic cricket with immediate effect and will also be available for national selection, subject to complying with mandatory fitness standards,” The release concluded.
Gunathilaka represented Sri Lanka in 8 tests, 44 ODIs, and 30 T20Is.
Kusal Mendis has already scored 7 hundreds in his 47-Test career. The right-hander also represented Sri Lanka in 79 ODIs and 29 T20Is.
The wicketkeeper batter Niroshan Dickwella was also a regular member for Sri Lanka in all 3 formats as he represented 45 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 28 T20Is. He holds an unwanted record in Test cricket as he scored 18 fifties in the longest format without reaching a single time to the three-figure mark.
Sri Lanka’s next assignment will be 3-match ODI series against Zimbabwe at home then they will travel to Australia 5-match T20I series. As far as World Test Championship is concerned, they had a brilliant start as they clean swept West Indies at home by 2-0. Their next assignment in WTC will be 2-match series against India in February-March.
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