Sri Lanka Cricket board denies exploiting ICC loopholes enabling Hasaranga to play in T20 WC
Sri Lanka Cricket board denies exploitation of loopholes to keep Wanindu Hasaranga away from ban during T20 WC
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has denied claims of exploitation of International Cricket Council (ICC) rules’ loopholes to keep Wanindu Hasarangaavailablefor the upcoming T20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies and the USA. In an announcement made by the board on Wednesday (Mar 20), the SLC claimed that they had no role in bringing back Hasaranga in the Test format and it was the player who contacted them for the same. Hasaranga’s comeback into the Test squad immediately triggered a two-match Test ban which means that he will be able to play theinternational matches that follow, including the T20 World Cup.
"It was about two weeks ago that he told us he was open to playing Tests again," Mendis told ESPNcricinfo. "We know how it looks, but this decision was taken well before the final ODI."
What is the Wanindu Hasaranga ban issue?
During Sri Lanka's defeat to Bangladesh on Monday (March 18) Hasaranga was handeddemerit points for showing dissent against an umpiring decision. According to the ICC ruling, a player with eight demerit points could be handed a ban for two Tests, four ODIs or four T20Is, depending on which came first. In this case, Hasaranga was entitled to serve his banduring the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA and could have missed up to four matches during the tournament.
However, the player and the board soon named Hasaranga in the Test squad, despite him having announced his retirement from the red-ball format. As soon as he was registered for the Test series against Bangladesh, a two-match ban was triggered, clearing the slate of eight demerit points.
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The good news for Sri Lanka is that even thoughHasaranga won't be able to play in the Test matches against Bangladesh, hewill feature in all of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup matches which were the next international fixtures on the calendar.
According to SLC, Hasaranga had informed them in an email on March 16 of his desire to be considered for Test cricket selection going forward, citing his improved fitness levels. Ajantha Mendis, a member of Sri Lanka's selection committee, meanwhile stated that Hasaranga had in fact intimated his desire to play Test cricket even earlier.
