Musthapha pads up and bats for the Lankan team
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Is it a friendly one or a stern verbal warning... Sports Minister Faiszer Musthapha gestures to Team Manager Asanka Gurusinha after yesterday's press briefing - Pic by Amila Gamage
While regretting what occurred on the field after the incident on the third day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies at St. Lucia, Minister of Sports, Faiszer Musthapha affirmed that the Lankan cricketers would be given a second life, but strongly stated that the future would be tough on such issues.
“We are disturbed by the decision made by the team for delaying play for two hours,” Minister Musthapha said.
“It was a mistake, which we certainly would not accept. But we have to stand by the team given, the incident that took place. The team was emotional on the issue, that we must understand. But what is wrong is wrong, I do not accept what took place”.
With the International Cricket Council (ICC) expected to hold an inquiry against Sri Lanka Test skipper Dinesh Chandimal, Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha and Team Manager Asanka Gurusinha for holding up play–a Level 3 offense under the ICC’s Code of Conduct, the Sports Minister assured that there would be ‘no domestic inquest’.
“There is already a sanction imposed by the ICC. However in the future, we will take strict disciplinary steps internally. As the Sports Minister, I reprimanded all players for not going into the field for two hours,”.
Chandimal, Hathurusingha and Gurusinha were charged by ICC chief David Richardson on June 22 for their role in Sri Lanka’s failure to take to the field on the third day of the second Test in St. Lucia, that resulted a two-hour delay.
The Team Manager Asanka Gurusinha regretted incident and said they were being too emotional than being professional.
“The delay was something that went on related to the incident of ball tampering allegations during the two hours. We didn’t follow cricket rules at that time, whatever happened we should have taken the field,” Team Manager Gurusinha lamented.
An ICC hearing is set to take place on July 10 to determine the final fate of the trio, which could have them suspended for a minimum two Tests — probably majorly affecting the upcoming series against South Africa.
“We are hoping to appeal to the ICC to reduce the punishment. We need the Head Coach and Captain for the two Tests against South Africa, leave aside the Manager,” Gurusinha added.
Despite of all occurrences Sri Lanka recorded a dramatic 4-wicket win at Barbados to level the three-match series 1-1. Sri Lanka lost the first Test at Trinidad by 226 runs and nearly pulled off a win at St. Lucia, in spite of all dramas that took place.