Wanindu Hasaranga banned from BAN vs SL Test series for ridiculing the Umpire

Sri Lankan international Wanindu Hasaranga has represented the national cricket team across all three formats of the game. Although, he has been a regular feature in One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. His last Test appearance came against Bangladesh back in 2021 and since then, he fell out of the selectors’ radar. As a result, he announced his retirement from Test cricket in August last year.

Meanwhile, just a day before, he reversed his retirement decision from Test cricket and was expected to make a comeback to the format this time around in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. However, he breached the code of conduct recently, which means his return to Test cricket won’t happen in Bangladesh. Wanindu Hasaranga has been suspended for the two Tests against Bangladesh after being sanctioned 3 demerit points for showing dissent at the on-field umpire’s decision during the third and final ODI against the Tigers.

Wanindu Hasaranga snatches his cap from an umpire during the third ODI

Apparently, the 26-year-old Galle-born cricketer was unhappy with the decision made by the umpire when Bangladesh were batting at 184/6. A picture of the Sri Lankan all-rounder crossing his limits and arguing with the on-field umpire during the third ODI at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram has been doing the rounds on social media.

During the 37th over of the game, the bowling all-rounder angrily snatched his cap from one of the umpires before he ridiculed him for officiating in the match. As a result, he was not only banned from taking part in Bangladesh Tests but also received a 50 per cent fine and accumulated 3 demerit points for his code of conduct. Meanwhile, the T20I and the ODI series between the two teams have been done and dusted.

Sri Lankan players announced their arrival in style by clinching the T20I series by 2-1. On the other hand, Bangladesh ensured to put up a great fight in the ODI series as they won the series by 2-1. In fact, both contests were evenly fought by the teams, which pushed to the series deciders. While Sri Lanka clinched the T20I series decider, the Tigers won the ODI series decider.

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The cricketing action shifts to the two-match Test series, with the Test opener slated to be played on March 22 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet whereas the second and final Test will kick off on March 30 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.