SLC suspends Danushka Gunathilaka for six matches

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has suspended the opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka for six matches for skipping the training session. The cricketer reportedly did not attend the training session after late night partying and hence has been charged with the misconduct. Gunathilaka had also turned up at the ground during a match day without his kit bag. This incident had happened during the Indian series. He was ruled out of the ODI series against India due to a shoulder injury.

The opener was also not included in the ODI squad which will compete against Pakistan in UAE which had raised many eyebrows. However, the board has made it clear now that he was dropped on account of delinquency. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play 5 ODIs on the tour after the conclusion of the ongoing two-match Test series. The second Test will start on October 6 which will be played under lights and mark the debut of the visitors with the pink ball.

An SLC official revealed the news of the suspension to Cricbuzz on Thursday. “The team management reported Danushka for breach of discipline and SLC took a decision to suspend him for six matches. We will make a formal announcement shortly,” the official informed. He might return to the side after serving the sentence as he was in good form before being injured.

Impressive in his early days so far

Gunathilaka made his Test debut against India at Galle in July. However, he has already played 28 ODIs for his country and has impressed with his technique so far. He opens in the shorter formats along with Niroshan Dickwella and the pair has given great starts to the team. He played a crucial role in the match when Sri Lanka defeated India to chase one of the highest totals in the ICC Champions Trophy. The 26-year-old has amassed 886 runs at 32.81 with a solitary hundred and seven half-centuries to his name.