March 19, 2024

ICC Suspension of Star Bowler Could Benefit This IPL Franchise

All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga might be available for the initial games of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL after being suspended by the ICC from the Test series against Bangladesh.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga could potentially feature in the initial matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This development comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended him, ruling him out of Sri Lanka’s upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. Despite his recent return from retirement, Hasaranga’s participation in international cricket has been halted due to disciplinary issues, paving the way for his early availability in the IPL.

Wanindu Hasaranga had initially retired from Test cricket in August 2023, opting to focus on limited-overs formats, where he has gained significant recognition as one of the top all-rounders in the world. His retirement was a blow to Sri Lanka’s Test team, given his prowess with both bat and ball, especially in the longer format. However, in a surprising move, Hasaranga announced his comeback to Test cricket just earlier this week, being included in Sri Lanka’s 17-man squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting Friday.

His decision to come out of retirement was seen as a positive development for Sri Lankan cricket, which has struggled with player consistency in recent years. The Sri Lankan selectors and fans had high hopes for his impact in the Test series against Bangladesh. But unfortunately, his return to Test cricket has been delayed due to an ICC ruling.

Hasaranga’s suspension resulted from accumulating eight demerit points under the ICC’s Code of Conduct, converted into four suspension points per Article 7.6 of the Code. His latest offense occurred during the third One Day International (ODI) match against Bangladesh, where he breached the ICC’s rules for player conduct. The specifics of the violation have not been widely publicized. Still, the punishment has been severe enough to rule him out of the upcoming Test series.

The accumulation of demerit points over 24 months can lead to suspension. Hasaranga’s case is a classic example of how disciplinary issues impact players’ availability. The ICC’s disciplinary system is designed to maintain the integrity of the sport, and repeated violations, no matter how minor individually, can lead to significant penalties.

While this suspension blows Sri Lanka’s Test aspirations, it indirectly benefits Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. The franchise will likely be delighted at having Hasaranga available for their first few matches, as his all-round skills make him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl tight, economical spells and take crucial wickets, combined with his explosive batting in the middle order, will be a massive boost to the team.

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, having Hasaranga available from the beginning of the IPL season could make a substantial difference. The all-rounder has proven himself a T20 match-winner, excelling in international cricket and franchise leagues. His IPL experience and current form in white-ball cricket make him a key player for the team’s 2024 campaign.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, which has been looking to build a solid and balanced squad, will significantly benefit from Hasaranga’s ability to contribute in both the batting and bowling departments. His inclusion could help them get off to a strong start in the tournament. Given his record in T20 cricket, especially with the ball where his leg-spin has troubled even the best batters, Hasaranga will add depth and versatility to the Hyderabad lineup.

While his suspension is a setback, Hasaranga’s decision to come out of Test retirement suggests that he remains committed to playing across all game formats. His journey forward will depend on maintaining his discipline on and off the field to avoid further suspensions. For now, he will be looking forward to making an impact in the IPL, and his fans will be eager to see him deliver match-winning performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“Hasaranga 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 ICC said on its website.

The incident happened in the 37th over when the right-arm spinner “snatched his cap” from one of the on-field umpires and also “ridiculed” the umpiring in the contest, the ICC said.

“He received a 50 per cent fine and accumulated three demerit points for his offense. This brought his total demerit points to eight in a 24-month period,” the ICC said.

Before this incident, Hasaranga had five demerit points, three accrued during the third T20I against Afghanistan in Dambulla last month. He had also been suspended for two T20Is against Bangladesh earlier.

“Now, with the addition of the latest demerit points, he has breached the threshold of eight demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have been converted into four suspension points,” the ICC said.

“The four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whatever comes first — Hasaranga will therefore miss the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against Bangladesh,” the governing body added.

Meanwhile, ICC also handed a 50 per cent match fee fine and three demerit points on Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis for “abusing the umpires while shaking hands with them”.

“This breached article 2.13 of the Code, which relates to ‘Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match’.” This was a first offence for Mendis in a 24-month period,” the ICC said.

Both players admitted to their offenses and accepted the sanctions by match referee Andy Pycroft.

The first Test of the series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be held in Sylhet from March 22-26, followed by the second Test in Chattogram, scheduled from March 30 to April 3.

Wanindu Hasaranga was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at his base price of ₹1.5 crore for the upcoming IPL season.

According to the IPL schedule for the first two weeks, SRH will face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 23 in Kolkata. They will return to Hyderabad for a match against Mumbai Indians on March 27 before headin

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