Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has imposed a fine of USD 10,000 on former captain Dasun Shanaka for breaching his contractual obligations after leaving a first-class match in Colombo early on February 2, 2025, to play for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE that same evening.

Earlier, SLC said that an inquiry will be launched against Shanaka for allegedly faking a concussion to skip a domestic match in favor of participating in a UAE franchise league on February 2.

Shanaka left Sinhalese Sports Club’s three-day match against Moors Sports Club in the Major League Tou ament after completing the first two days of play.

The charges against Shanaka include misleading the match referee, Wendell Labrooy, into approving a substitute by claiming a concussion. Shanaka was also accused of playing for the Dubai franchise on the evening of February 2, after submitting a medical certificate earlier that day which recommended three days of rest following an injury sustained while batting in the domestic match.

SLC informed Shanaka that the Executive Committee had determined his actions violated his contractual responsibilities, particularly regarding professionalism, integrity and adherence to SLC directives. As a result, a fine of USD 10,000 has been imposed as a disciplinary measure. Shanaka has been instructed to pay the full amount by February 28, 2025. 

The SLC has also wa ed Shanaka that failure to comply may lead to further disciplinary actions. 

The board reminded him of his duties as a professional cricketer representing Sri Lanka and emphasised the importance of exercising greater caution in the future to avoid similar breaches. (dailymirror)