Sri Lanka players breach: SLC launches investigation after videos of players breaching bio-bubble do the rounds
Sri Lanka players breach: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday (June 28) launched an investigation on three of their men’s team players currently involved on the tour of England. The enquiry had been initiated after videos of them breaching the bio-bubble and enjoying the night life in Durham did the rounds over social media.
These three players – opening batsman Dhanushka Gunathilaka, wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwell and vice-captain Kusal Mendis – were seen roaming around freely at night hours despite the series being played within a pandemic and multiple health safety restrictions around it.
While Dickwell and Mendis can be seen at the roadside in one of the videos, in the other they are given company by Gunathilaka. The news of this breach has come to light only a day after Sri Lanka suffered a humiliating loss in Southampton and succumbed to an embarrassing 3-0 T20I series whitewash against England.
Sri Lanka players breach: Dickwella and Mendis were seen roaming around in Durham
Speaking to newscenter.ik, senior SLC official confirmed to the website that an official investigation has been launched in the matter and a report from the team management has been called for in relation to these videos. The official also said a strict action is in the offing if the players are found guilty of breaching the tour guidelines.
“Players are strictly advised to remain in bio bubble as COVID-19 spread in Durham is high. We will take tough actions if any player violated the conditions they agreed (upon)”, the official was quoted as saying.
Reacting to the issue, SLC chief Shammi Silva said, “an investigation is underway as they have breached the (code of) conduct.”
Sri Lanka players breach: Trio involved under threat of suspension after breaching bio-bubble in Durham
The SLC could now reprimand the three players for their inappropriate code of conduct, implementing a heavy fine or worse, asking them to immediately return home – which is the last thing a beleaguered Sri Lankan team – in search of confidence and inspiration – need at this stage. A final decision from the Lankan board is yet awaited.
After 3-0 defeat to England, Sri Lanka Players Enjoying their time in Durham! Obviously not here to play cricket, this video was taken at 23.28 Sunday
(Video Courstey – Nazeer Nitshar)
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.#SriLanka #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/E16SfZ1q2M— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) June 28, 2021
The visitors find themselves in the midst of a controversy after facing widespread criticism for their disappointing losses at the start of the tour. Not just from fans, but also their own former cricketers.
The likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Roshan Mahanama, Hashan Thilakaratne and Tillakaratne Dilshan expressed their anger and distress following the completion of T20I whitewash.
Jayasuriya even termed it as a sad day in Sri Lankan cricket history, where their team is failing to provide a good account of themselves as an international side.
Already missing various experienced cricketers such as Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal among others, who have had a fall out with SLC due to contractual issues, the absence of Dickwella, Mendis and Gunathilaka could further weaken a struggling Sri Lankan side.
Having lost the T20Is, the visitors are in for some more challenging time when they take on England in the ODIs that followed. Already down 5-1 in their six matches in the ICC Super League so far, the Lankans could ill-afford to continue slipping below in the points table. They look the most vulnerable of the traditional top 8 sides to miss out on one of the direct qualification spots at the next 50-over World Cup.