Danushka Gunathilaka’s ban revoked by Sri Lankan board paving way for international cricket return
Danushka Gunathilaka (source-twitter
Sri Lankan Cricket and its fans finally have some good news. Left-handed-batter Danushka Gunathilaka’s ban has been lifted by his own cricket board. The move comes after it was proved that the Sri Lankan wasn’t guilty of the sexual assault charges levied upon him.
Sri Lanka on Monday lost their third game of the ODI World Cup 2023 in Lucknow. The five-wicket loss to Australia has now put Sri Lankan hopes in a lot of peril. The 1996 World Cup winners had earlier lost to South Africa and Pakistan in high-scoring encounters.
Kusal Mendis led side will now play the Netherlands in their next game in Lucknow on Saturday 21st of October. Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s regular skipper has flown back home due to injury.
Roads cleared for Danushka Gunathilaka‘s cricket return
Sri Lankan cricket was hit with a massive controversy in late 2022 when the team was in Australia. Danushka Gunathilaka was accused of Sexual Assault from a local resident. This created a lot of issues as he had to face arrest from local law enforcement.
The cricketer wasn’t allowed to travel back home as the case against him was ongoing. The 32-year-old though pleaded not guilty to the court. Once the hearing was completed, it was found the Sri Lankan indeed wasn’t guilty. Gunathilaka was acquitted bringing an end to sordid one year for the Sri Lanka cricket star.
On his return back home, the 32-year-old star had more good news waiting for him. The Sri Lankan board had decided to let him back into the game by lifting his ban. There was a statement released after the decision to let Gunathilaka resume his cricket career.
The statement read “The Independent Inquiry Committee appointed by SLC, which was tasked with investigating into the impact of the criminal allegations against Mr. Danushka Gunathilaka in Australia, has recommended a full lifting of the ban imposed on him in November 2022 following Mr. Gunathilaka’s acquittal from all charges filed in the District Court of New South Wales and his return to Sri Lanka on 3rd October 2023. He would now be able to return to national duty”
Danushka Gunathilaka has played 8 tests for Sri Lanka scoring 299 runs with a best of 61. In 47 ODI games, he has scored 1601 runs with a best of 133 which is one of his two tons. Gunathilaka has also played 46 T20 games with 741 runs scoring 3 half-centuries with a strike rate of 120.
