News by “Sana Ullah”
“DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Sunday a two-match suspension for Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga following his strong condemnation of umpire Lyndon Hannibal.
“Hasaranga was found to have violated article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to ‘Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match,’ the ICC stated in a press release.
“The accumulation of five demerit points, with three attributed to this particular incident, led to the conversion into two suspension points. Consequently, Hasaranga will miss either one Test match or two ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first, for the player or player support personnel.”
“The Sri Lankan skipper also incurred a 50% fine on his match fees and will sit out the first two T20Is against Bangladesh next month.
“The controversy arose during the final T20I of the series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, where umpire Hannibal opted not to call Wafadar Momand’s high full toss to Kamindu Mendis as a no-ball. Mendis had moved down the pitch, but the delivery would have exceeded the waist height had he been at the popping crease.
“While the batter requested a review of the no-ball, ICC playing conditions dictate that a player can only challenge an umpire’s decision in the case of a dismissal.
“Despite a last-ball six from Mendis, resulting in a dot and wide ball afterward, Sri Lanka fell short as they needed ten to win.
“In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s loss, captain Wanindu Hasaranga expressed strong criticism towards the umpire for the disputed call.
‘Such incidents shouldn’t occur in international matches,’ Hasaranga asserted. ‘While a close call might be understandable, a ball that’s clearly going above the batter’s head… if an umpire can’t discern that, they might not be suited for international cricket. Perhaps they’d be better off in another role.
