Sanath Jayasuriya banned for two years from cricket
Former Sri Lanka cricket team captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been banned from all cricket for two years. This comes after the legend admitted to two breaches of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) anti-corruption code. The 49-year-old, who was earlier charged in October 2018, has accepted a sanction of a two-year period of ineligibility. Here's more about this incident.
Jayasuriya just a part of this wider investigation
Jayasuriya admitted failing to co-operate with ICC's investigation and "concealing, tampering with or destroying evidence". This is just a part of a wider investigation in relation to corruption in Sri Lankan cricket, that has marred the island nation. The anti-corruption unit recently held an amnesty in relation to Sri Lanka Cricket. It resulted in eleven players and other participants revealing new information.
Alex Marshall cites the importance of co-operating with investigation
"This conviction under the code demonstrates the importance of participants in cricket co-operating with investigations," said Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC's ACU. Marshall added, "Compelling participants to co-operate under the code is a vital weapon in our efforts to rid our sport of corrupt people. These rules are essential to maintain the integrity of our sport."
Jayasuriya was found guilty in October last year
He was found guilty in relation to Article 2.4.6 and 2.4.7. The ex-Sri Lanka captain was given a 14-day time to respond by the ICC last year in October. He had cleared the air on the charges and said he always conducted himself with integrity.
Why was Jayasuriya under the scanner?
Earlier, according to a report in ESPN, Lanka's ODI series against Zimbabwe in 2017, saw the hosts lose at home. The series is under ICC's scanner. Back then, Jayasuriya was into his second term as the Chairman of Selectors. Further, as per a report in PTI, a source commented on Jayasuriya 'trying to block' an ICC probe which started in the year 2015.
Jayasuriya a legendary player
Jayasuriya is one of the GOATs of ODI cricket. He was the player of the tournament when Sri Lanka won the ICC World Cup in 1996. The southpaw scored 28 centuries and took 323 scalps in 445 ODIs. The legend also played 110 Test matches and averaged 40.07. He retired from international cricket in 2011. He played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
