The suspension of star bowler Wanindu Hasaranga by the ICC has unexpected repercussions, offering a silver lining for former IPL champions. Despite his return from retirement, Hasaranga’s suspension from the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh could see him donning the Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey for the initial matches of the Indian Premier League.
This turn of events stems from Hasaranga’s breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI, where he displayed dissent towards an umpire’s decision by snatching his cap and ridiculing the officiating. As a result, he incurred four suspension points, translating to a ban from two Tests or four limited-overs matches. Consequently, he will miss the ICC World Test Championship Tests against Bangladesh.
In parallel, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis also faced penalties from the ICC, receiving a 50% match fee fine and three demerit points for abusing umpires during handshakes, marking his first offense in a 24-month period. Both players accepted the sanctions imposed by match referee Andy Pycroft.
With the IPL looming, Hasaranga’s availability for Sunrisers Hyderabad injects hope and strategic advantage into their campaign. Acquired at his base price of Rs 1.5 crore, his potential inclusion could bolster the team’s performance in the initial fixtures, including clashes against Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Titans.
The scheduling of the IPL coincides with Hasaranga’s suspension from international cricket, offering a serendipitous opportunity for the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise to capitalize on his talents. While his absence from Test cricket may disappoint fans, his presence in the IPL presents an exciting prospect for both the player and his franchise.
As cricket enthusiasts anticipate the commencement of the IPL, the unexpected twist in Hasaranga’s career trajectory adds an intriguing layer of anticipation and speculation to the tournament’s dynamics. Whether he can translate his prowess on the international stage to the IPL arena remains to be seen, but his potential impact on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s fortunes is certainly a storyline worth following as the tournament unfolds.
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