Last Updated on 5 years ago by Charbel Coorey

Dickwella, Gunathilaka, Mendis banned for 1 year: Reports | According to AFP, Sri Lanka trio to be banned for 1 year for breaking COVID-19 protocols

According to reports surfacing online, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis may be banned for up to one year for breaking bio-secure bubble regulations in Sri Lanka’s current tour of England.

Specifically, the AFP has stated that the trio will likely get a ban of three months-one year if they are found guilty of breaching protocols, as told by an SLC official. Given the fact that footage surfaced on social media of the cricketers in Durham Market Square on Sunday night, and the fact they also admitted they broke the protocols, we could see a situation where these three cricketers will not be available for selection until mid-2022.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) were made aware of the news because the video was posted to social media. The players were immediately flown back home, pending an inquiry. “The players have been suspended pending a full inquiry, but have confessed to having gone out,” SLC vice-president Mohan de Silva said. “They are being recalled from the tour with immediate effect.”

ESPNCricinfo Sri Lanka correspondent Andrew Fidel Fernando minced no words in his description of the three players, as fans become increasingly frustrated with their national side. “Three players, to be exact, which you suspect is also the number of braincells that had been collectively harnessed when the decision to make a break for it was made,” read Fernando’s piece in ESPNCricinfo, highlighting the significant problems in Sri Lankan cricket.

Danushka Gunathilaka, who has a history of disciplinary issues, has been a brighter light in the darkness that is Sri Lanka’s on-field performances. He is averaging 45.16 in six ODIs in 2021, but his discipline continues to haunt him. Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis, both of whom have potential, risk the possibility of never realising their full potential.

The trio is certainly out of their upcoming home assignment against India. However, if the reports then turn to reality, the trio will be out for much longer than just a few weeks.

Also read: Most one-sided T20I series? Sri Lanka slammed for shocking performances in England