Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Sri Lanka’s T20I skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga, faced a two-match suspension and a 50% match fee fine from the ICC following his criticism of umpire Lyndon Hannibal’s decision during the third T20I against Afghanistan.
The incident revolved around a disputed no-ball call for a high full toss bowled by Wafadar Momand to Kamindu Mendis. With Sri Lanka needing 11 runs from the last three balls, the decision became a critical point in the match, which Sri Lanka eventually lost by 3 runs.
Hasaranga expressed his dissatisfaction with the umpiring, suggesting that Hannibal was not fit for international cricket. He criticized the decision, arguing that the ball was dangerously high and could have injured the batsman. “That kind of decision-making has no place in international cricket,” Hasaranga remarked, highlighting the severity of the missed call.
The ICC found Hasaranga in violation of article 2.13 of its Code of Conduct, which addresses personal abuse towards players, support staff, umpires, or match referees in international matches. This led to Hasaranga amassing five demerit points, three from this incident alone, triggering a suspension that makes him unavailable for the upcoming two T20Is against Bangladesh.
In a related note, Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz also faced disciplinary action, receiving one demerit point and a 15% match fee fine for not adhering to umpire instructions regarding bat grip changes during the match.