In the wake of national team’s test captain Dimuth Karunaratne drink driving episode few days ago, Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has decided to conduct random doping tests of players during practice sessions and during the matches, Cricket Age reliably learns.
On Sunday morning Karunaratne was involved in an accident with a three-wheeler in Borella, a neighbourhood of Colombo, which put the three-wheeler’s driver in hospital with minor injuries. Following the incident Karunaratne was arrested and released on bail, and his driver’s licence suspended. The three-wheeler’s driver has since been discharged from the hospital.
President Shammi Silva led administration took the offence seriously and slapped a hefty fine on Karunaratne. Furthermore, now the board has decided to bring discipline and commitment towards the game by going for random doping tests.
“It has been fast becoming a pattern in Sri Lanka cricket, even at junior level. Players are partying till midnight and straightway coming for the practice. As world cup is around the corner, these sort of activities won’t be tolerated” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
The doping tests to be conducted randomly and harsh decisions to be taken against the players, Who will be found guilty.
“The board has come to know that majority of players have been addicted to alcohol and few other substances on daily basis. Obiously, it is hampering their performance big time and they are not able to play with their potential. Now, we want to stop it. We wants to bring commitment and discipline” the top official added further.
Karunaratne has already been fined USD 7500 (LKR 1.3 million approx), by SLC, following his drink driving episode, which was a violation of his player contract. Karunaratne’s fine is the equivalent of the match fee he would receive for one Test.
