Sri Lanka Test captain, coach and team manager charged for causing delay

Sri Lanka Test captain Dinesh Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and manager Asanka Gurusinha have admitted the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) charge of acting against the spirit of the game after the team delayed play during the second Test against West Indies.

Sri Lankan cricketers refused to take the field on the third day at St. Lucia after match officials accused the team of altering the condition of the ball on the previous day, imposing a five-run penalty on the tourists and replacing the ball.

The game eventually resumed ‘under protest’.

Conduct contrary to the spirit of the game

A statement (https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/748117) released on Friday by the ICC says: ‘Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha have admitted to breaching Article 2.3.1, a Level 3 offence, which relates to ‘conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.

‘Following their admission, the ICC, in accordance with Article 5.2 of the ICC code of conduct, has appointed the Hon Michael Beloff QC as the judicial commissioner to hear the case to determine the appropriate sanction.’

Captain Chandimal was found guilty of ball-tampering during the second Test and was given a one-match suspension.

He is appealing the verdict, leading the ICC to set a hearing. In case that he is banned, Sri Lanka will be captained by either Suranga Lakmal or Rangana Herath on the third Test.

Head coach Hathurusingha and manager Gurusinha are available for the upcoming Test, as the verdict to their case will only be given after the match.

The final Test begins in Bridgetown on Saturday, with West Indies leading the three-match series 1-0 as the second encounter ended in a draw.