Legendary Sri Lanka batsman Sanath Jayasuriya’s International Cricket Council (ICC) ban has ended now, makes him eligible to return to Cricket at any capacity, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Jayasuriya was charged in October 2019, after failing to provide his mobile phones to the ACU. He was also accused of obstructing or delaying any investigation into corruption in the game.
“The ICC Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) has informed him that the terms of his sanction have been met and his period of ineligibility has concluded, therefore he is re-eligible to participate or be involved in the game of Cricket” a close friend of world cup winning member told Cricket Age.
After the end of the ban, Jaysuriya released a media statement, which reads:
“I am happy to announce that, the ICC ACU, has informed me that the terms of my agreed sanction have been met and my period of ineligibility has concluded. I am now, therefore, re-eligible to participate or be otherwise involved in the game of Cricket.
I reiterate the fact that I have always maintained a high degree of integrity throughout my cricketing career. I have always put country first and the cricket loving public are the best witness to this aspect.
I am grateful & extend my sincere thanks to the Sri Lankan public and my fans who supported me throughout this period. You were a source of great strength to me during this difficult time.
I thank the Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC for the cooperation extended to me in this regard and I extend my appreciation for the services rendered to me by my lawyers Mr. Kalinga Indatissa, Presidents Counsel and Mr. Vishwa de Livera Tennekoon, Attorney-at-Law”
The Sri Lankan maestro remains one of the greatest batsmen of all-time, especially in One-Day Internationals. Jayasuriya, who was known for providing blistering starts, continued to rule the roost among big-hitters. His spell-binding knocks defined Sri Lanka cricket’s golden period.
In a career spanning nearly 22 years, Jayasuriya amassed 21,032 runs from 586 internationals at an average of 34.14. He is among the top five run-getters in ODI cricket having aggregated 13,430 runs at 32.36. Jayasuriya also owns 28 tons and 68 fifties in the format. Notably, he (445) is the third most capped ODI player after Sachin Tendulkar (463) and Mahela Jayawardene (448).
Jayasuriya played 110 Tests, 445 one-day internationals and 31 Twenty20s for Sri Lanka and was also a former captain during his illustrious career between 1989-2011.
Besides his monstrous hitting, Jayasuriya also stood out as a handy off-spinner. He has snapped up 440 wickets from 586 internationals at 35.66, including best match figures of 9/74. Moreover, he is the only ODI player in 10,000-run club to have taken over 300 wickets.
