Dasun Shanaka, the former Sri Lanka white-ball captain, is reportedly under investigation by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) after an incident that raised questions about his commitment and communication with his domestic club.
Shanaka, a hot commodity in franchise cricket, is accused of leaving a crucial domestic match to play in the ILT20 (International League T20) without notifying either Sri Lanka Cricket or his domestic team, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).
The controversy unfolded when Dasun Shanaka was recalled from his ILT20 duties with the Dubai Capitals to represent SSC in an important match against Moors Sports Club. On February 1, he joined SSC’s lineup and came in at No. 7 during their first innings, scoring 123 runs off 87 balls.
On the third day of the match, Shanaka was advised by medical staff to rest after being struck by a delivery while batting and was subsequently ruled out of the game due to concussion. However, in a surprising turn of events, just hours after SSC secured a draw in the match, Dasun Shanaka was seen playing for Dubai Capitals. He scored 34 runs off 12 balls in the ILT20 match, which raised questions about his injury and the timing of his departure from Colombo.
Shanaka’s sudden departure from the SSC match has caused a stir in his home country. Samantha Dodanwela, the chairman of SSC’s Cricket House Committee, expressed concern over the situation, saying, “We had no idea that Shanaka had left the team and flown back to Dubai.” He added that he had requested the SLC take appropriate action.
The incident prompted the Sri Lanka Cricket CEO, Ashley de Silva, to announce an official inquiry into Dasun Shanaka’s actions, with de Silva calling the situation “unacceptable” and emphasizing that it would be thoroughly investigated.
Despite the controversy, Shanaka continued his participation in the ILT20, playing in three more matches for Dubai Capitals. His performance in the tournament final—where he contributed 21 runs off 10 balls—helped the Dubai Capitals secure a four-wicket victory and clinch the title.
As the inquiry into his actions continues, Dasun Shanaka’s future with Sri Lanka Cricket hangs in the balance. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for his relationship with the domestic cricket structure and his involvement with the national team moving forward.