Danushka Gunathilaka Retirement: Sri Lankan aggressive opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka announces Test retirement at the age of 30 to focus on white-ball formats. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the batter “will now be focusing on the shorter formats”.
Danushka Gunathilaka Announces Retirement
The development comes close on the heels of another 30-year-old batter, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, announcing his decision to retire altogether from international cricket and a day after the board lifted one-year bio-security breach suspensions on Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella with immediate effect.
Gunathilaka, who stated that he has taken the decision after evaluating all aspects, hasn’t played a Test since 2018, with his eight appearances getting him 299 runs, two half-centuries, and a career-best score of 61. He has got a better record in limited-overs cricket.
In 44 ODIs, he has scored 1,520 runs at an average of 36.19, while in T20Is, he has 568 runs in 30 matches at a strike rate of 121.62.
SLC Lifts Ban on Cricketers
Sri Lanka Cricket has lifted suspensions of Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella with immediate effect.
The trio was handed a one-year ban from international cricket in July 2021 bio-security breach during Sri Lanka’s tour of England last year. The ban also included a six-month suspension from domestic cricket and a fine of approximately USD 50,000.
“The latest decision was taken following a request made by the three players to Sri Lanka Cricket to lift the ban imposed on them, pursuant to the conclusion of the LPL 2021,” said SLC in a statement.
The SLC has agreed to lift their bans from international cricket from immediate effect on Friday, 7 January, also allowing all three of them to be able to engage in playing domestic cricket, and be available for national selection, subject to complying with mandatory fitness standards.
A report from a doctor, who was appointed by the board to provide counseling to the players during their suspension period, was also taken into consideration.
Upon consideration of the said report submitted by the Doctor, the Executive Committee of the SLC decided at a meeting held today (January 7) to remove the suspension of the said three players. However, the lifted suspension will remain suspended for a period of two years, during which the three players’ conduct will be closely monitored by the SLC.
“However, the lifted suspension will remain suspended for a period of two years, during which the 03 players’ conduct will be closely monitored by the SLC,” the board added.
Sri Lanka will tour to India to play 2 match test series with 3 matches T20I series which begins from February 25, 2022.
