Sri Lanka's Suspended Cricketers Could Face A Lengthy Ban From International Cricket

Sri Lanka Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has expressed his disappointment in three national cricketers failing to abide by the COVID-19 protocols. On Monday, three Sri Lankan players in Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka, were spotted roaming outside in a public space in Durham, breaching the bio-secure protocols. Not only the trio faced suspension from the upcoming ODI series against England, but they could also be subject to a lengthy ban from international cricket.

Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka faced suspension pending an inquiry by the Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) Executive Committee for breaking the bio-bubble rules. A video surfaced and went viral on social media as all three were loitering outside in a public space following the tourists’ whitewash in the T20 series. They were also sent home from the United Kingdom immediately.

Sri Lanka Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa tweeted that opportunity and time are a must to invest in youngsters to represent their country and to revive the national team. However, Rajapaksa underlined that players are also required to maintain discipline and need to have intent. He called for stringent action against those who failed to abide by the rules.

Opportunity & time can be invested into youngsters to represent the country, in an attempt to revive #<!---->S<!---->r<!---->i<!---->l<!---->a<!---->n<!---->k<!---->a cricket. However, playing with a lack of intent & poor discipline should not be tolerated. @<!---->O<!---->f<!---->f<!---->i<!---->c<!---->i<!---->a<!---->l<!---->S<!---->L<!---->C must take strict action against players who violate these rules!

— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

It could be anywhere between 3 months to 1 year: Sri Lanka cricket official

A Sri Lanka cricket official told cricwire.lk that the suspended cricketers could be banned anywhere between three months to a year. “It could be anywhere between 3 months to 1 year”. The off-field troubles have further unsettled Sri Lanka ahead of the ODI series against England as they aimed to bounce back from the T20I loss. The two sides will begin the three-match ODI leg by squaring off in the opening game on Tuesday in Chester le Street.

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