SLC suspends Danushka Gunathilaka

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday suspended batsman Danushka Gunathilaka from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, adding that they would not consider him for any future selections. 

The move comes after Gunathilaka was arrested and charged with the sexual assualt of a woman in Australia, and SLC said furthur actions will be taken after an inquiry into the alleged offense is carried out, a process that will begin once court proceedings in Australia are complete.  

Gunathilaka is already serving a suspended six month ban, handed to Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella, when they were allowed to return to international cricket earlier this year, that would come into effect if there were any disciplinary breaches against the three players over the next two years. 

A more severe punishment could be imposed on Gunathilaka, with SLC saying it would penalize the player if he was found guilty. 

"Sri Lanka Cricket will take the necessary steps to promptly carry out an inquiry into the alleged offense, and, upon conclusion of the aforementioned court case in Australia, steps will be taken to penalize the said player if found guilty," a statement from SLC read.

Gunathilaka was injured during Sri Lanka's first match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup against Namibia on October 16, and was replaced in the squad by Ashen Bandara. 

However, Gunathilaka was not sent back home, with the player allowed to stay with the squad. 

SLC yesterday clarified this by stating that Gunathilaka was fast recovering from his hamstring injury and therefore was considered a possible replacement player if the need arose, considering he was acclimatized to the conditions.

Gunathilaka appeared by video link in handcuffs at a Sydney court earlier on Monday, seeking bail after he was charged with four counts of sexual assault, but it was refused by the Magistrate. 

He will remain in custody.