SLC issues charge-sheet against Shanaka
Dasun Shanaka has time till today to respond to SLC's charge-sheet - File pic
Dasun Shanaka, who is in trouble over allegations of faking an injury to leave a first-class match in Colombo hours early in order to play for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE that same evening on February 2, has time till today to respond to a charge-sheet given by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The board’s charge-sheet includes the allegation that first-class match referee Wendell Labrooy had been led to believe Shanaka had a concussion, in order to approve a substitute.
“We have given him a charge-sheet and once we receive his response, we will take the necessary action. His first-class club, SSC, will be doing their own inquiry,” said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Shanaka has told the website that de Silva and others had been aware that he would have to leave the first-class match early. However, SLC Tournament Committee Chairman earlier told the Sunday Times that Shanaka had not informed of his travel which prompted the inquiry.
Shanaka reportedly had left the ground soon after being dismissed on the third morning of the three-day match.
“He said he visited a doctor at a nearby hospital first, to inspect a blow to the neck he had sustained while playing a sweep shot that morning, and then headed off to Dubai to play that evening’s T20, after a separate physiotherapist had cleared him to play,” the website reported.
On February 2, 2025, the final day of the three-day match against Moors SC at the P. Sara Oval, SSC was set a target of 309 runs but had a limited number of overs to chase it. They ended the day at 105-1 in 14 overs, resulting in a draw. Moors, having batted nearly one and a half days, declared at 412-9 after 116.1 overs. Shanaka contributed as a bowler, delivering 21 overs and taking one wicket for 76 runs.
SSC responded with 275 in 64 overs, with Shanaka steadying the innings alongside captain Charith Asalanka. He remained unbeaten on 39 at stumps on February 1, before going on to complete his epic century the next day. Moors then declared their second innings at 171-6 in 46 overs, setting SSC a challenging target. However, Shanaka was advised to rest by the medical team after being hit by a delivery.
But then came a shocking twist—just four hours after the match ended at P. Sara Oval in Colombo, Shanaka appeared at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for Dubai Capitals’ ILT20 match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, which began at 7:30p.m. local time (9:00p.m. Sri Lanka time). This was despite being ruled out of the match due to a concussion.
Miraculously, Shanaka took the field for the Capitals, batting at No.5 and smashed 34 off 12 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, helping his team post 217-4 in 20 overs. Dubai Capitals then restricted the Knight Riders to 191-5, securing a 26-run victory. Astonishingly, almost a day later, he played again for the Capitals against Desert Vipers in Sharjah. While the inquiry is ongoing Shanaka walked out to play for SSC against NCC on Friday.