Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has once again found himself at the center of controversy.
Following his announcement of his return from Test retirement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended him from the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh due to the dissent incident.
The ICC took action after Hasaranga was found guilty of showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during the third one-day international against Bangladesh.
At a crucial moment during the 37th over of the match, which Bangladesh eventually clinched by four wickets to win the series 2–1, Hasarang’s act of stealing the umpire’s cap and openly mocking the decision led to his dismissal.
According to an ICC statement, Hasaranga received a 50 percent fine and collected three demerit points, bringing his total demerit points over a 24-month period to eight, which warrants a suspension.
This is not the first time Hasaranga has faced disciplinary action in recent times. Just a month ago, he was suspended for two Twenty20 internationals for a similar offense during a match against Afghanistan.
In a parallel incident, Sri Lankan ODI captain Kusal Mendis was also fined 50 per cent for abusing the umpires when he shook hands with them at the end of the third match.
Despite his suspension, Sri Lanka initially included Hasaranga in their 17-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test is scheduled to begin on March 22 in Sylhet and the second Test will follow on March 30 in Chittagong.
