Sri Lanka cricketers Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, and Niroshan Dickwella have been suspended for bio-bubble breach in the UK. All three cricketers are being sent back home immediately from Durham.
Sri Lankan Cricketers Breaches Bio Bubble in UK
Overnight, a video had emerged showing Mendis and Dickwella out in a public place. Gunathilaka was not seen in the video, but the three are believed to have stepped out together.
The touring players had been categorically told that they were not allowed to go towards Durham’s City Centre, but that is exactly where the trio have admitted to have gone, according to SLC officials.
In the video, shot from a vehicle, Mendis and Dickwella are seen looking around the square. Although both players have their masks handy, neither is wearing them.
Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan De Silva confirmed the news in a statement on Monday, 24 hours before the first ODI versus England in Durham.
“Sri Lanka Cricket Executive Committee has suspended Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka & Niroshan Dickwella for breaching the bio- bubble and they will be immediately recalled to Sri Lanka,” De Silva said.
Familiar faces in Durham tonight, enjoying their tour! Obviously not here to play cricket, this video was taken at 23.28 Sunday. Disappointing performance by these cricket players but not forgetting to enjoy their night at Durham. RIP #SrilankaCricket #KusalMendis #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/eR15CWHMQx
— Nazeer Nisthar (@NazeerNisthar) June 28, 2021
Reacting to the video, which was posted by a Sri Lankan fan, SLC chief Shammi Silva said, “an investigation is underway as they have breached the (code of) conduct.”
Sri Lanka, who were whitewashed in the T20I series, are already facing criticisms from all quarters and the absence of the three first-choice players will dent their campaign further in the upcoming 3-match ODI series.
While Mendis registered scores of 9, 39, and 6 in the T20Is in Cardiff and Southampton, Dickwella managed 3 and 11 runs in the two matches he featured.
Kusal Perera‘s team were comprehensively beaten by 8 wickets in the 1st T20I before again losing by 5 wickets and 89 runs in the last 2 fixtures.
players Set to miss SLvs IND matches
A report also states that these players won’t get part in upcoming Sri Lanka vs India matches. Kusal Mendis, Dickwella and Gunathilaka won’t be considered for the India series as well due to bio bubble breach in UK. #SLvIND
Kusal Mendis, Dickwella and Gunathilaka won’t be considered for the India series as well due to bio bubble breach in UK. #SLvIND
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 28, 2021
Also read: Sri Lanka vs India 2021: Squad, Schedule for T20I and ODI
