Sri Lankan cricketer suspected of faking concussion to leave first-class match, join ILT20

Former Sri Lanka white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka is facing an inquiry from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board after he left a crucial domestic match to play in an ILT20 game, allegedly without informing either the board or his club.

Shanaka was recalled from the ILT20, where he was playing for Dubai Capitals, by his domestic team, Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).

The side were facing relegation in Sri Lanka’s premier three-day tournament, and required Shanaka to play in a match against Moors Sports Club which would aid their bid to stay up.

Having played for Dubai Capitals on January 28, Shanaka flew back to Sri Lanka to play for SSC in Colombo.

He came into bat at number seven on day two of the fixture (February 1), with his team struggling at 77-5.

From there, he blasted 123 runs, including 10 fours and eight sixes, off just 87 balls, keeping his side in the clash, albeit with a 137-run first innings deficit.

Having completed his century on day three of the game, the Moors side set SSC a target of 309 runs to reach in a limited number of overs, leaving SSC with little option than to bat out for the draw.

On the third day, after his match-changing knock, Shanaka was advised to rest by medical staff after he was hit by a delivery while batting, and was officially ruled-out of the game with concussion.

However, just four hours after SSC secured the draw in Colombo, Shanaka walked out to bat for Dubai Capitals in Dubai, scoring 34 runs off 12 balls.

Allegedly, Shanaka did not inform SSC that he was leaving to fly back to Dubai, sparking concerns over the validity of his injury.

“He was asked to rest after lunch, and we had no idea he had left the team and flown to Dubai,” said Samantha Dodanwela, chairman of the SSC Cricket House Committee and SLC Tournament committee. “I have requested the SLC to take necessary action.”

Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed an inquiry would be launched into Shanaka’s actions, stating that the incident was “unacceptable”.

Shanaka went on to play three further matches for Dubai Capitals, including one the day after his flight back to Dubai.

He also scored 21 runs off 10 balls in the tournament final, which Capitals won by four wickets. (Wisden)