“Wanindu Hasaranga Suspended by ICC: Sri Lankan Leg-Spinner’s Comeback Delayed”

Sri Lankan cricket fans were anticipating the return of Wanindu Hasaranga to the international Test arena, but unfortunately, his comeback moment will have to wait. The 26-year-old leg-spinner, who recently unretired from Tests, has been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC), casting a shadow over his immediate future in the sport.

Wanindu Hasaranga in action.

Hasaranga found himself in hot water after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Bangladesh. His act of dissent towards the umpire in the 37th over of the match led to his suspension. The ICC, in a statement on their website, described his actions as “ridiculed” the umpiring.

As a consequence of his breach, Hasaranga has been fined 50 percent of his match fee and received five demerit points. This breach, coupled with previous demerit points accrued during a match against Afghanistan last month, has resulted in his suspension from international cricket.

With this latest offense, Hasaranga has crossed the threshold of eight demerit points, leading to a suspension from four matches. This ban could have significant implications, potentially causing him to miss crucial fixtures, including the T20 World Cup 2024.

Meanwhile, the ICC also reprimanded Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis, imposing a 50 percent match fee fine and three demerit points for misconduct towards the umpires.

Amidst the suspension, there is a glimmer of hope for Hasaranga’s fans, as he may make an appearance for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Initially unavailable for a few matches, Hasaranga could now join SRH, offering his talents to the franchise as they embark on their IPL campaign.

As cricket enthusiasts await further developments, Hasaranga’s suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline on and off the field. While setbacks are inevitable, it is essential for players to learn from their mistakes and strive for improvement in the pursuit of sporting excellence.