The Sri Lankan Cricket Board has suspended their batter Danushka Gunathilaka from all forms of cricket. The suspension comes in the aftermath of Gunathilaka’s recent controversy in Australia. The batter was arrested in Australia on four charges of sexual assault allegations. Danushka had assisted his team in their World Cup campaign. However, a hamstring injury caused him to sit out of the team. Consequently, he made a part of the squad as a stand-by player staying with them in Australia.
Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested and charged with sexual assault allegations on November 6th in Sydney. Following the charges, a Sydney court has denied bail in the case as per the latest hearing. The rest of the Sri Lankan team has left Australia after being out of the tournament. However, Gunathilaka’s stay in Australia seems extended now with his bail denied.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: Match Officials For the Semi-Finals Declared
SLC States Zero-Tolerance Policy For Gunathilaka’s Charges
The SLC previously assured of supporting the cricketer in further proceedings. However, following the rejection of the bail plea, the board suspended the cricketer. The SLC, in their statement, emphasized that the board has a zero-tolerance policy for such conduct by a player. Moreover, it offered to extend a detailed inquiry into the matter post the conclusion of the proceedings by the Australian court. If found guilty, Gunathilaka is set to face more severe consequences than just facing a suspension.
“Sri Lanka Cricket will take the necessary steps to promptly carry out an inquiry into the alleged offense, and, upon conclusion of the aforementioned court case in Australia, steps will be taken to penalize the said player if found guilty,” stated the cricket board. “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to emphasize that it adopts a “zero tolerance” policy for any such conduct by a player and will provide all the required support to the Australian law enforcement authorities to carry out an impartial inquiry into the incident,” it added.
