SLC lifts ban on Danushka Gunathilaka following serious allegations

In a major development, Sri Lanka Cricket came forward to announce that they will be lifting the ban on Danushka Gunathilaka after the 32-year-old was arrested in the wake of some serious sexual assault allegations in Australia against him.

The recommendations for him were ratified by the executive committee of the board on October 13, after a meeting was held about the same. However, it is worth noting that a caution to the all-rounder was handed, which stated: "to always uphold his status as a representative of the nation in all his future actions.”

Notably, Gunathilaka was arrested in 2022 in Australia during the T20I World Cup after he was accused. After his arrest, he was put under travel restrictions for 11 months in the country. Furthermore, he was also charged with four counts of sexual assault, which were dropped before prosecution.

Pleading not guilty, the 32-year-old faced a trial, which later freed him of the charge. With the SLC lifting his ban, the all-rounder will finally be able to make his return to international duties after a long hiatus.

"After careful evaluation of Mr. Gunathilaka's exoneration and with due consideration to his cricketing career and its impact on the cricketing ambitions of the nation, the Inquiry Panel, headed by Retired High Court Judge Sisira Ratnayake, Mr. Niroshana Perera, Attorney at Law, and Mr. Asela Rekawa, Attorney at Law, unanimously recommended an immediate lifting of his cricketing ban, allowing him to resume regular cricket activities and return to national duty," the SLC media release stated.

Sri Lanka look to recoup after Australia loss

Speaking of Sri Lanka’s current on-field performances, the side has gotten off to a horrid start at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Having played three games in the prestigious tournament, Sri Lanka are yet to win a game.

Having played games against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia, Sri Lanka have faced losses in every single game so far. They will next be facing off against the Netherlands, and it could be interesting to see how the side fares in their upcoming game.