Wanindu Hasaranga exploits ICC loophole, turns Test ban into T20 World Cup boon

Wanindu Hasaranga might have to miss the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but he will be available to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as the T20 World Cup from the beginning.

The last couple of days were quite intriguing for Hasaranga and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The talismanic wrist spinner, who retired from Test cricket in August 2023, reversed his decision and was picked in the Lankan Lions' Test squad on Monday, March 18, for the two-match series against Bangladesh.

However, on Tuesday, March 19, Hasaranga was banned from participating in the series due to his altercation with an umpire during the 37th over of the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He snatched his cap from one of the umpires and scoffed at the decisions being made during the clash.

The 26-year-old was found guilty of breaching article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

The third ODI took place on Monday and Hasaranga was banned in a matter of 24 hours. However, in the middle of these two events, Sri Lanka named their Test squad featuring Hasaranga.

Wanindu Hasaranga avoids missing initial IPL matches and four T20 World Cup matches

Hasaranga incurred a 50 per cent fine and three demerit points were added to his name for his offence in the third ODI. This brought his total demerit points to eight in 24 months.

Hasaranga was already on five demerit points after getting three during the series against Afghanistan, where he had some stern words for the umpires. He was subsequently banned for two T20Is as well. The latest collection of three more demerit points, which, in conformity with article 7.6 of the Code, has been converted into four suspension points.

This resulted in the Galle-born being handed a ban of either two Tests, four ODIs or four T20Is, whatever comes first.

Also Read: BAN vs SL: Wanindu Hasaranga's Test comeback derailed by ICC Disciplinary action, gets suspended for Bangladesh Tests

Hasaranga will miss the two-Test series against Bangladesh to serve his ban. This will save him from missing four of Sri Lanka's matches in the all-important T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Also, if Hasaranga had played the two Test matches, he would have had to join his new IPL team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, in April. However, he will now be available to play for the Hyderabad-based franchise from their very first game on Saturday, March 23, against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Hasaranga and everyone involved in the planning have tactfully managed to reduce the damage the suspension could have caused. Hopefully, this entire saga does not start a new trend for the future where players look to exploit the loopholes in the ICC rules. South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi posted a tweet regarding the incident and wrote: "Well played sir... Well played".