SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR LASITH MALINGA
In a rare disciplinary measure against a contracted National Cricketer, Lasith Malinga was yesterday handed a one-year suspension, suspended for six months, and a fine of 50 percent of his next ODI match fees, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced yesterday.
The punishment was handed following a disciplinary inquiry into repeated breaches of contract, with the SLC Ex-co deciding on the punishment at an Emergency Meeting held last evening.
Malinga had on two occasions spoken to the media which violates a clause in his national contract, as clarified by SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala.
“We don’t have an issue with cricketers discussing cricket-related
It becomes an issue when they talk about administrative matters without permission from the SLC. We have given permission to discuss with any media about their cricket and personal matters
matters with the media. We have given them permission for that. But if there are any administration issues they can take that up with the SLC through the CEO and sort it out,” Sumathipala told the media yesterday.
“It becomes an issue when they talk about administrative matters without permission from the SLC. We have given permission to discuss with any media about their cricket and personal matters. When you go beyond this, then there is a problem.
From the cricketers perspective, if their hands are bound and they criticise in an unfair manner it would be an injustice towards the players. We have instructed the players that if anything has been said against them, that tarnishes their image, they can inform the SLC and we will act on their behalf to ensure that their side of the story is also given prominence,” he added.
The special inquiry panel comprised of SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva and the Chairman Disciplinary Committee Asela Rekawa AAL
Malinga had accepted the charges and tendered an apology and will be available to play in the first ODI against Zimbabwe on June 30.