Sri Lanka skipper receives suspension for breach of Code of Conduct

Sri Lanka’s T20I skipper and second-ranked T20I bowler on the ICC Men's Player Rankings, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been presented with a two-match suspension after his total demerit points reached five within a 24-month period following his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, for which he received a 50 per cent fine and three demerit points.

Hasaranga was found guilty of breaching article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match.

Hasaranga's accumulation of five demerit points results in a conversion to two suspension points. This means he will either get a ban for one Test match or two ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first, for the player or player support personnel. Consequently, Hasaranga will be suspended from participating in Sri Lanka's first two T20Is against Bangladesh next month.

The incident unfolded at the end of the third T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Dambulla, as Hasaranga approached umpire Lyndon Hanibal to express criticism regarding a decision of a high full toss not called a no-ball.

Afghanistan player Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also been penalised. He has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the same match.

Rahmanullah was found in violation of article 2.4 of the Code, which pertains to “Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.”

Furthermore, one demerit point has been added to Rahmanullah's disciplinary record, marking his second offence within a 24-month period and bringing his total demerit points to two.

The sanction was imposed on Rahmanullah for altering the grip of his bat on the field despite repeated warnings against doing so.

Both players admitted to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Consequently, formal hearings were deemed unnecessary.

The charges were brought forth by on-field umpires Lyndon Hannibal and Raveendra Wimalasiri, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, and fourth umpire Ranmore Martinez.

Sri Lanka secured the three-match T20I series, 2-1 as Afghanistan clinched a win in the final T20I. Hasaranga was awarded the Player of the Series for his all-round performance.