Dambulla, Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan cricket fans woke up to shocking news today as their captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, received a two-match suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a heated exchange with an umpire during the third T20I against Afghanistan.
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Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga Banned for 2 Matches After Umpire Altercation
The Incident:
The incident occurred after the final match of the series, which Afghanistan won by a narrow margin of 3 runs. Following the tense finish, Hasaranga expressed his displeasure with on-field umpire Lyndon Hannibal over a no-ball call that wasn’t given in the final over. The altercation reportedly involved verbal abuse, leading to the ICC taking action.
ICC’s Verdict:
Hasaranga was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically relating to “personal abuse” of an official. As a result, he received three demerit points, accumulating to five within a 24-month period. This triggered an automatic two-match suspension, which will see him miss the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh next month.
Reactions and Implications:
This news has sparked mixed reactions from fans and pundits. While some criticize Hasaranga’s lack of composure, others argue the punishment is harsh considering the emotional context of a close match. Regardless, the suspension is a significant blow to the Sri Lankan team, as Hasaranga is a crucial player in both their batting and bowling lineups.
Looking Ahead:
Sri Lanka will now have to find a replacement captain and adjust their strategy for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. This unexpected development adds another layer of intrigue to the already competitive series.