Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has lifted the ban on Danushka Gunathilaka, who was arrested in Australia in 2022 on sexual assault charges but was later acquitted. The decision was ratified by the executive committee of the board on October 13. Gunathilaka was suspended from all cricket activities by SLC in November 2021 after he was arrested in Sydney. He was charged with four counts of sexual assault, but the charges were dropped before prosecution.
Gunathilaka pleaded not guilty and went on 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.
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“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.
JUST IN: Sri Lanka Cricket lift ban on Danushka Gunathilaka, becomes eligible for national return pic.twitter.com/zcLhatGZUv
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 17, 2023
Gunathilaka’s return is a boost for Sri Lanka, who have gotten off to a horrid start at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Having played three games in the prestigious tournament, Sri Lanka is yet to win a game. They have faced losses against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia so far. They will next be facing off against the Netherlands, and it will be interesting to see how the side fares in their upcoming game.
Danushka Gunathilaka is a versatile player who can bat and bowl. He is also a good fielder. His return to the team will give Sri Lanka more options in all three departments. Sri Lanka have been disappointing in the World Cup so far. They have been outplayed by all of their opponents so far. The team needs to improve their performance if they want to make an impact in the tournament.
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The batting has been the biggest disappointment for Sri Lanka. The team has failed to put up big scores on the board. The bowlers have also struggled to take wickets. Sri Lanka needs to find a way to turn things around in their next game against the Netherlands. If they lose that game, their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals will be all but over.
