Sri Lanka cricketers Dickwella, Mendis & Gunathilaka banned for a year for violating Covid protocols

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday slapped one year ban from international cricket on three national cricketers -- Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella from all forms of international cricket for violating the Covid-19 safety guidelines during the team's tour to England last month.

The three top-order batsmen were also slapped with a six-month ban from domestic cricket. In addition, the SLC imposed a fine of 10 million Sri Lanka rupees (around $5,000) on each of the players.

Vice-captain Mendis, wicketkeeper-batsman Dickwella, and opening batsman Gunathilaka were found to breach the bio-bubble during the England tour last month. The trio was seen roaming on the streets of Durham after the final T20 international on June 26, a video of which had gone viral.

The SLC had immediately suspended them and flown them back to Sri Lanka the following day. They were also prevented from playing in the limited overs series at home against India, which ended on Thursday.

The punishments were imposed following the recommendations made by an independent probe panel appointed by the SLC to look into the allegations of breaching Covid-19 safety guidelines, violating the instructions and regulations of the team management and putting the safety of their fellow team members in jeopardy.

The panel ruled that the three cricketers had violated the instructions and regulations of the team management with regard to team curfew by failing to reach their respective hotel rooms by 10.30 p.m., besides bringing disrepute to SLC and the country by such actions.

The executive committee of the SLC, which met on Friday, unanimously decided to carry out the punishments imposed by the probe panel.

"The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket at its meeting held today(30/07/2021) has given due consideration to the recommendations of the Panel of Inquiry," SLC said in a statement.

"And in further consideration of the impact to the individual players, and their contribution to the national team, have decided unanimously to impose the following punitary measures on the said three players: A fine of Sri Lanka Rupees 10 Million for each player."

"A one year ban from all forms of international cricket and a six months ban from domestic cricket. Upon completion of the said one year ban, each player will be subjected to a further ban of one year from playing international cricket which will be suspended for a period of two years," it added.