Former captain and allrounder Dasun Shanaka, who allegedly faked an injury to leave a first-class match in Sri Lanka in order to play for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE, has been fined USD 10,000 by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for breaching his contractual obligations.
Imposing the fine, the SLC states that Shanaka had requested three days’ leave citing an injury sustained during a domestic match played on 02 February 2025, but had during that period participated in a foreign franchise league match in Dubai.
Stating that it had taken into consideration the cricketer’s written response and apology, the SLC said, however, that the Executive Committee has determined that Shanaka’s actions constitute a breach of contractual obligations. As such, the SLC Executive Committee has decided to impose a fine of US$ 10,000 as a disciplinary measure and has instructed the cricketer to settle the fine on or before 28 February 2025.
The SLC has also warned Dasun Shanaka that a failure to comply may result in further disciplinary action.
Shanaka was recalled from the ILT20, where he was playing for Dubai Capitals, by his domestic team, Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). The side were facing relegation in Sri Lanka’s premier three-day tournament, and required Shanaka to play in a match against Moors Sports Club which would aid their bid to stay up.
Having played for Dubai Capitals on January 28, Shanaka flew back to Sri Lanka to play for SSC in Colombo. He came into bat at No.7 on day two of the fixture (February 1), with his team struggling at 77-5. From there, he blasted 123 runs, including 10 fours and eight sixes, off just 87 balls, keeping his side in the clash, albeit with a 137-run first innings deficit. Having completed his century on day three of the game, the Moors side set SSC a target of 309 runs to reach in a limited number of overs, leaving SSC with little option than to bat out for the draw.
On the third day, after his match-changing knock, Shanaka was advised to rest by medical staff after he was hit by a delivery while batting, and was officially ruled-out of the game with concussion. However, just four hours after SSC secured the draw in Colombo, Shanaka walked out to bat for Dubai Capitals in Dubai, scoring 34 runs off 12 balls.
Allegedly, Shanaka did not inform SSC that he was leaving to fly back to Dubai, sparking concerns over the validity of his injury.
Shanaka went on to play three further matches for Dubai Capitals, including one the day after his flight back to Dubai. He also scored 21 runs off 10 balls in the tournament final, which Capitals won by four wickets.
