Wanindu Hasaranga Made Cunning Plan To Fool ICC, Check Full Story

Sri Lankan cricket fans were surprised by two recent developments surrounding star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Firstly, his immediate suspension due to an outburst against umpires during the Bangladesh ODI series. Secondly, his unexpected return to the Test squad after announcing retirement just last year. This sequence of events has sparked speculation of a “masterplan” by Hasaranga to fool the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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Wanindu Hasaranga decided to step away from Test cricket in August 2023. Citing a desire to focus on franchise cricket, he left fans wondering about his long-term commitment to the red-ball format. His performance in Tests hadn’t been stellar, with only 4 wickets and 196 runs an average of 28.00 with the bat in his limited appearances. He wasn’t a regular member of the Test squad at the time of his retirement.

Wanindu Hasaranga, who had just announced a return to Test cricket, was found guilty of a Code of Conduct breach and may just be available to play in the IPL.

He was found guilty of breaching article 2.8 in third ODI and needed to serve 2 Test Match ban.pic.twitter.com/ik1NdufqHZ

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) March 19, 2024

However, on March 18th, the Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) announced a surprising turn of events. Hasaranga reversed his retirement and was included in the squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

The Code of Conduct Breach and Subsequent Ban

The right-arm all-rounder’s return to Test cricket was a masterplan. As the ICC found him guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct during the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh. In a moment of frustration, he snatched his cap from an umpire and displayed dissent towards the umpiring decisions. This violation resulted in a 50% match fee fine and 3 demerit points added to his record. Since he had already accumulated 8 demerit points in the past 24 months, triggering a mandatory absence from either two Tests, four ODIs, or four T20Is, whichever happened first.

Was it a Calculated Move?

The timing of these events suggests that this might have been a strategic move by the player and his board. With the ultimate goal of being available for the T20 World Cup. Here’s why this theory has gained traction:

• Sri Lanka’s cricketing calendar placed the Bangladesh Test series (the last international series) before their crucial World Cup match against South Africa on June 3rd.
• Missing the Tests due to a suspension would ensure Hasaranga’s full availability for the World Cup.

The 26-year-old is a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team and would be a significant loss during the World Cup if he misses 4 matches. So, there is a possibility that Wanindu along with the Sri Lanka cricket board may have planned his Test comeback.

Janith Liyanage 🇱🇰🏏 becomes the fastest Sri Lankan player to reach 4 fifty-plus scores in ODIs. #BANvSL

6 innings – Janith Liyanage ***
8 innings – Kusal Mendis
9 innings – Charith Asalanka
9 innings – Roy Dias pic.twitter.com/EratjBbKw5

— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) March 18, 2024

While Hasaranga’s situation is grabbing headlines, in other news Sri Lankan ODI captain Kusal Mendis has also been fined. He was fined and received demerit points for verbally abusing umpires after the 3rd ODI loss to Bangladesh. This incident further highlights the need for better sportsmanship from Lankan lions on the field.

Meanwhile, the Lankan Lions won the T20I series against Bangladesh by 2-1. Whereas, the Bangla Tigers won the ODI series 2-1. The first Test match of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is scheduled on Friday, March 22 in Sylhet. The second and final Test match of the series will be played on Saturday, March 30 in Chattogram.