Sri Lanka suspended cricketer Gunathilaka suffers major blow
Sri Lanka's opening batsman, Danushka Gunathilaka, who was not selected for the upcoming 5-match ODI series against South Africa, has suffered another blow. The player has been suspended from 6 international matches owing to breach of the Lankan board's Player Code of Conduct and Contractual Obligation. The said incident occurred during the second Test against South Africa recently. Here is more on the same.
The sentence issued by SLC
It has been learnt that Gunathilaka will not be paid any match-fee for the second Test. His 6-match ban includes three games due to the latest violation. A further three-match ban was also handed owing to the 1-year suspended sentence he was undergoing since last year. The player had earlier received a suspension of six matches last year, which was later revised to three.
Gunathilaka a repeated offender
Last year, Gunathilaka was penalized for turning up for a match without gear. He had a 'casual' attitude towards training session and was seen partying late night. Earlier this year, the ICC reprimanded him for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in Mirpur. One demerit point was added to his disciplinary record. Now the latest offense is about breaking a curfew.
Gunathilaka facing latest criminal investigation
The latest offense is related to a separate criminal investigation. A close associate of Gunathilaka had been arrested for allegedly raping a Norwegian woman in a team hotel in the Lankan capital, Colombo. Gunathilaka was reportedly present in the room. In his defense, the player stated that he was asleep when the incident occurred after being questioned by the police.
Will SLC select the player in future?
It remains to be seen whether the Lankan board would pick him in the squad once he completes his suspension period. It might depend on the report of the investigation. His disciplinary records have definitely disappointed the board.
