SLC lifts ban on Danushka Gunathilaka, cricketer eligible for selection

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• Oct 17, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced the lifting of the ban imposed on cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka...

Digital Desk: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced the lifting of the ban imposed on cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka, who had been accused in a sexual assault case during the T20 World Cup 2022. The decision comes in the wake of Gunathilaka's recent acquittal of all charges by the District Court of New South Wales, paving the way for the talented left-handed batter to become eligible for selection once more.

Danushka Gunathilaka has had a tumultuous journey over the past year. He played only one match for Sri Lanka during the T20 World Cup in 2022, featuring in the game against Namibia before being ruled out due to injury. His absence from the squad was a result of the SLC imposing a ban on him following the sexual assault allegations.

The official statement from Sri Lanka Cricket declared that Gunathilaka was now allowed to "resume his regular cricket activities." The decision was made after a careful evaluation by an inquiry panel led by retired high court judge Sisira Ratnayake, with the participation of legal experts Niroshana Perera and Asela Rekawa. The panel unanimously recommended the immediate lifting of Gunathilaka's ban, taking into consideration his exoneration and the impact on his cricketing career and the nation's cricketing ambitions.

The media release issued by Sri Lanka Cricket stated, "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."

While Gunathilaka's return to the Sri Lankan cricket team is now possible, it remains to be seen if he can make a comeback in the current context. With the ongoing World Cup in progress, his inclusion seems unlikely, especially with players like Pathum Nissanka performing well at the top of the order for the side. Danushka Gunathilaka, a predominantly opening batsman, has previously represented Sri Lanka in 8 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 46 T20 Internationals.

Gunathilaka is expected to be keen on making a return to the national side now that the case in Australia has been resolved. His journey back to international cricket will depend on his form, fitness, and the selectors' decisions as Sri Lanka Cricket continues to navigate the challenges of competitive cricket on the global stage.