Hasaranga Faces Suspension for Two Tests Following ICC Code of Conduct Breach
Kusal Mendis also penalised for a Level 2 offence in the third ODI against Bangladesh
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is set to miss Sri Lanka’s next two Tests against Bangladesh. This comes after his accumulated demerit points hit eight within a 24-month period. His latest Level 2 offence resulted in a 50 percent fine and three demerit points.
The offence occurred during the third ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Monday. Hasaranga was found guilty of breaching article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This relates to “dissent shown towards an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”
Hasaranga had already accumulated five demerit points from a previous incident in the third T20I against Afghanistan in Dambulla last month. This led to a suspension for two T20Is against Bangladesh. With the addition of the latest demerit points, he has reached the threshold of eight demerit points. According to article 7.6 of the Code, these have been converted into four suspension points.
Four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first for the player or player support personnel. As a result, Hasaranga will miss the two-match ICC World Test Championship series in Bangladesh.
The incident on Monday took place at the end of the 37th over of Bangladesh’s innings. Hasaranga showed his dissent by snatching his cap from one of the umpires and ridiculing the umpiring in the match.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis has also been penalised, receiving a 50 per cent match fee fine for a Level 2 offence. He was found guilty of breaching article 2.13 of the Code, which relates to “Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match.”
Three demerit points have been added to Mendis’ disciplinary record. This was his first offence within a 24-month period.
Mendis was found guilty of abusing the umpires while shaking hands with them at the end of the match.
Both Hasaranga and Mendis admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. As such, there was no need for formal hearings.
The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Tanvir Ahmed, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth umpire Richard Kettleborough.
Details on Hasaranga’s previous suspension can be found in the related media release.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
*When a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and the player is banned.
**Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is; Four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is.
***Demerit Points remain on a Player or Player Support Personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four (24) months from their imposition, after which they will be expunged.