Sri Lanka Cricket Lifts Danushka Gunathilaka’s Ban, Paves Way for National Return | Cricket News

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday lifted a ban imposed on Danushka Gunathilaka following a sexual assault cost in Australia, paving the best way for the left-handed batter’s return to the nationwide staff. “…the Independent Inquiry Committee appointed by SLC, which was tasked with investigating into the impact of the criminal allegations against Mr. Danushka Gunathilaka in Australia, has recommended a full lifting of the ban imposed on him in November 2022 following Mr. Gunathilaka’s acquittal from all charges filed in the District Court of New South Wales and his return to Sri Lanka on 3rd October 2023,” a launch stated. “He would now be able to return to national duty,” it added.

In November 2022, the cricketer was charged for alleged sexual assault in Australia throughout his go to as a member of the Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup staff. He was arrested after a girl accused him of sexual assault.

The 32-year-old cricketer was charged on 4 counts of rape, which had been later dropped by the prosecution earlier than trial and was additionally underneath journey restrictions for 11 months in Australia.

Gunathilaka pleaded not responsible and confronted a four-day lengthy trial and was later acquitted of all prices filed towards him within the District Court of New South Wales. He returned to Sri Lanka on October 3 this 12 months.

“This suspension was pending the outcome of legal proceedings and was imposed considering the impact of his actions on the reputation of cricket and the country,” the SLC assertion learn.

“After careful evaluation of Mr. Gunathilaka’s exoneration and with due consideration to his cricketing career and its impact on the cricketing ambitions of the nation, the Inquiry Panel, headed by Retired High Court Judge, Sisira Ratnayake, Mr. Niroshana Perera, Attorney at Law and Mr. Asela Rekawa Attorney at Law, unanimously recommended an immediate lifting of his cricketing ban, allowing him to resume regular cricket activities and return to national duty.” PTI Cor SSC SSC SSC