In an unfortunate incident on the cricket field during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka on Day 2, Shanaka was seen tampering with the ball in the 50th over of India’s first innings. The 26-year-old was caught by the TV cameras trying to change the condition of the ball near the seam. The on-field umpires, Joel Wilson and Richard Kettleborough and the third umpire Nigel Llong. The match referee David Boon penalised 75 per cent match fees of the all-rounder for his offence. The Sri Lankan accepted the sanctioned charges against him.
In a press released from ICC on November 25,
Shanaka was found to have breached Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3.
Problems for the Sri Lankan all-rounder would not just end here. According to ICC rules and regulations –
In addition to the fine for his breach of Article 2.2.9, three demerit points have been added to Shanaka’s disciplinary record. Pursuant to Article 7.6 of the Code, if Shanaka reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they will be converted into suspension points which will result into a ban for a Test or two ODIs or T20Is.
Boon is hopeful that Shanaka would not commit an offence like this in the future. He said,
These are early days in Dasun’s career and I am sure this sanction will ensure he is more careful when maintaining the condition of the ball in the future.
Dasun Shanaka fined for changing the condition of the ball: https://t.co/ZbazsQbfBA #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/DbIfHnkUUQ
— ICC (@ICC) November 25, 2017
India are currently dominating in the second Test before the start of Day 3’s play with a lead of 107 runs and Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle.
