Sri Lankan trio are suspended

Colombo – Sri Lanka suspended three players yesterday, including vice-captain Kusal Mendis (above), and withdrew them from the upcoming one-day international tournament in England over a breach of their bio-secure Covid bubble.

Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella were seen smoking in the streets of Durham, where they are based ahead of this week’s first one-day international at Chester-le-Street today.

In a second video on social media, opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka is seen joining the pair, violating the coronavirus rules of their stay in England, where they are not allowed to roam freely.

Sri Lanka Cricket said the three players were suspended from all forms of the game until an inquiry was completed.

“This decision was taken following an inquiry conducted over a video posted on social media in which the said three players can be seen outside their designated hotel,” the board said. –