Dasun Shanaka faces investigation by SLC for allegedly faking concussion to play in ILT20 2025
Published - 12 Feb 2025, 04:36 PM | Updated - 12 Feb 2025, 04:39 PM
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Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has landed in trouble as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has launched an investigation into allegations that he faked a concussion to skip a domestic match to play in the recent International League T20 2025 (ILT20 2025) for Dubai Capitals.
The former Sri Lanka captain was playing in a three-day match for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in the Major League Tournament but left the game on the second day, citing a concussion. But just hours later, Shanaka made 34 off 12 balls for Dubai Capitals in an ILT20 2025 fixture.
Dasun Shanaka faces investigation for faking injury
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed that Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) is also conducting its own inquiry apart from the Sri Lankan board.
The charge sheet of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) revealed that first-class match referee Wendell Labrooy was led to believe that Shanaka had suffered a concussion in the game against Moors Sports Club and he had to approve the substitute.
Shanaka wins the ILT20 title after skipping the club match
Notably, Dasun Shanaka had bowled 21 overs across the first two days of the match for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) and was unbeaten on 39 at the end of Day 2. On the third day, the Sri Lankan all-rounder went on to score a blistering 123 off 87 balls before leaving the field.
Dasun Shanaka was not available for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) when the Moor Sports Club was batting, but just a few hours later, he was playing for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s T20 league.
Notably, the all-rounder continued to feature in the ILT20 2025, where he played three more matches and helped Dubai Capitals to win the maiden title. He even played a crucial role in the final, scoring 21 off just 10 balls in a chase of 190 against the Desert Vipers.
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SLC and the club knew I had to leave: Dasun Shanaka
Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka later explained that SLC CEO Ashley de Silva and others knew about his plans to play in the ILT20 2025. The former Sri Lankan all-rounder also revealed that he went to see a doctor to get medical clearance after he was hit on his neck in the match before traveling to the UAE.
Shanaka was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, “SLC and the club knew I had to leave. I only came back because there was a request from the SSC to play this first-class match. But my other team wanted me back, as I'd helped win two games for them earlier in the tournament.”
Notably, Shanaka last played for Sri Lanka against India in July 2024 in the white-ball series at home and has not been selected for any format since then. He has played six Test matches, 71 One-Day Internationals, and 102 T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka so far.
