Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has suspended Suraj Randiv from the side's next match - against New Zealand on Thursday - in the Micromax ODI tri-series.
The off-spinner has been penalised for sending down a big no-ball when, with the scores level, Indian opener Virender Sehwag was on 99 in Monday's duel between the two sides. Randiv will also forfeit his match fee for the game.
Sehwag, whose six off the no-ball did not count, had said the off-spinner had deliberately overstepped the crease to deny him a century. The SLC's verdict following a swift internal inquiry into the incident, headed by team manager Anura Tennekkon, implicates the Sri Lankan bowler.
Dilshan to forfeit match fee
Tillekaratne Dilshan too will lose his match fee for what the SLC called "his interference in the issue." Dilshan, apparently, coaxed Randiv to deliver a no-ball.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday night, the SLC said, "Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years. It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentleman's game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being the winners of the `ICC Spirit of the Game' award for consecutive years."
The SLC added, "As such, Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and T.M. Dilshan for their actions during the third ODI of the Micromax tri-series held on August 16, 2010, between India and Sri Lanka in Dambulla, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball from Suraj Randiv."
The Sri Lankan Board also directed skipper Kumar Sangakkara to be in control of the proceedings during all times. The SLC said, "Furthermore, captain Kumar Sangakkara too has been advised to ensure that repetition of such incidents do not occur, where disrepute will be brought to the game of cricket, affecting the spirit of the game."
