Angelo Mathews Reiterates 'Zero Tolerance' Following Danushka Gunathilaka's Incident

Sri Lankan opener Danushka Gunathilka remains suspended for six international matches with immediate effect due to a misconduct during the recently-concluded two-match Test series against South Africa. Subsequently, One-day International captain, Angelo Mathews said that nothing of this sort will be tolerated in the future.

The southpaw Gunathilaka faced punishment for breaching the curfew. It was during the second night of the recent Colombo Test against the Proteas.

But Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), revealed the opener himself is free from any suspicion or any wrongdoing. However, his curfew offence is linked to an alleged incident of a sexual assault within the hotel premises.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a man close to Gunathilaka.

Disappointing to lose a player says, Angelo Mathews

“It is disappointing to lose out on a player. But we will not tolerate any indiscipline,” Cricbuzz quoted Mathews as saying.

Angelo Mathews sheds light on the absence of Danushka Gunathilaka for the ODI series against South Africa.

The southpaw has been an integral part of the Sri Lankan team in the recent past. However, he has to face six-match suspension from international fixtures which indeed is a big loss for the Islanders.

“If they take that risk they have to deal with the consequences, they can be the best player, but we will not tolerate that kind indiscipline. When it comes to team rules they have to abide by it. We do care what they do outside the ground because it affects the whole team and the image. Players have to be very careful to take good care of themselves on and off the field not try and damage the team’s image,” Mathews stated.

The southpaw is the second player in the recent past who has been meted out punishment for their behaviour off the field. Meanwhile leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay was fined 20 percent of his match fees. It was after last month. He is on a probation period for a year.