The occurrence of horrific episode ahead of the home series

On Monday, International Cricket Council announced their verdict on the ball tempering saga in which they handed eight demerit points to the manager Asanka Gurusinha, the captain Dinesh Chandimal and the coach Chandika Hathurusinghe. According to governing body of cricket, the trio was charged for violating Level 3, Article 2.3.1, which says “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.”

In a Test match at St Lucia, Sri Laankn team refused to take the field because West Indies was awarded five runs after the captain Chandimal was caught tempering the ball. Sri Lanka decided not to take the field after the decision which resulted in a two-hour delay in the day’s play.

Chandimal was seen on the field tempering the ball with his saliva and a sweet so the ball could spin more. The captain was suspended for one game but Chandimal appealed the decision. International Cricket Council rejected his appeal, which resulted in the withdrawing of the Sri Lanka captain from the final test match of the series after his appeal was rejected. He was also fined equal to his match fees.

The decision of International Cricket Council in which they handed eight demerit points will cause a heavy effect to the campaign of the Sri Lankan team against South-Africa because receiving eight suspension points indicates that the the manager Asanka Gurusinha, the captain Dinesh Chandimal and the coach Chandika Hathurusinghe will miss first four ODIs and two Tests of the home series.

It is a huge blow considering the fact that the young Sri Lankan team is still in their learning phase after the departure of the legendary duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Sri Lanka will be hosting South Africa for a full series till the 14th of August as a part of their home season and they will look to get their heads back on the field after the horrific episode that occurred on their last away series.