Hasaranga was punished for breaching article 2.8 of the player’s code of conduct, which relates to showing dissent against the umpire’s decision. An ICC press release on Tuesday said the incident happened during the 37th over of the third and final ODI against Bangladesh when “he snatched his cap from one of the umpires and ridiculed the umpiring in the match.” He received a fine – 50% of his match fees – and three demerit points, which took his total demerits to eight, and when it hits eight, he is obliged to miss two Tests, four ODIs or four T20Is, whichever comes first. Had Hasaranga not come out of retirement for the Tests, he would have missed Sri Lanka’s first four games at the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka ODI captain Kusal Mendis also copped a 50% fine and three demerit points for “abusing the umpires while shaking hands with them” at the end of the third ODI. Both Hasaranga and Mendis admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft.
The first of the two Tests against Bangladesh begins on Friday in Sylhet. Sri Lanka’s spin attack was expected to be centered around Hasaranga and Prabath Jayasuriya with Ramesh Mendis for support, but the suspension now brings in Kamindu Mendis, who has only played one Test, and the uncapped Nishan Peiris into the fray.
