Nidahas Trophy: Chandimal suspended for two T20Is

The Sri Lanka captain fell four overs short of target as per time allowances against Bangladesh on Saturday; his players received a fine of 60 per cent.

Chandimal, leading the side in the three-nation Nidahas Trophy in Colombo, fell four overs short of the target as per time allowances.

 

Stand-in Sri Lanka T20 skipper Dinesh Chandimal has been suspended from two T20Is after found guilty of a serious over-rate offence in the game against Bangladesh on Saturday.

Chandimal, leading the side in the three-nation Nidahas Trophy in Colombo, fell four overs short of the target as per time allowances.

According to an ICC media release: “In accordance with Article 2.5.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to serious over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for the first two overs and 20 per cent per additional over their side failed to bowl in the allotted time, while the captain receives two suspension points.”

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The two suspension points could be a one-Test ban, a two-ODI ban or a two-T20I ban depending on the player’s schedule. Chandimal stands suspended from the March 12 and March 16 fixtures against India and Bangladesh respectively. All his players received a fine of 60 per cent.

Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees announced his decision following a hearing, in presence of match officials and the Sri Lanka team management, on Sunday.

Chandimal pleaded not guilty to the offence.

“If Sri Lanka commits another serious over-rate breach in a T20I within 12 months of this offence with Chandimal as captain, it will be deemed as a second offence by Chandimal and he will receive between two and eight suspension points,” the release added.

According to Article 8.2 of the code, Chandimal has a right to appeal against the sanction.

Even Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah received a 20 per cent fine — with his players receiving 10 per cent — for being one over short under Article 2.5.1 (minor over-rate offences).

“If Bangladesh commits another minor over-rate breach in a T20I within 12 months of this offence with Mahmudullah as captain, it will be deemed as a second offence by Mahmudullah and he will face suspension,” said the release.

Mahmudullah pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction. There was no formal hearing.