Exclusive – Several regrettable incidents said to be involving Sri Lankan cricketers during the recent ICC T20 World Cup had been making rounds on social media.

The conduct of the cricket team has been severely criticized by authorities as well and the matter was even taken up in parliament.

Last week, Sports Minister – Roshan Ranasinghe appointed a 6-member committee to inquire into the incidents reported against the Sri Lanka Cricket players while in Australia for the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup.

‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ learns that the committee has already initiated investigations.

Meanwhile, a Sri Lankan who contacted ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ from Australia after seeing our news articles in this regard says that he witnessed several players and officials roaming outside during night time and it was important to look into further details on such incidents including that involving Dhanushka Gunathilaka.

He had also sent us two photographs that show Sri Lankan players having fun at a nightclub.

The Lanka Premier League 2022 introduces two overseas umpires to officiate in the upcoming edition, thus marking a new addition to Sri Lanka’s top domestic T20 league with an international flavor.

Accordingly, Wayne Knights of New Zealand and Gregory Braithwaite of the West Indies, both members of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will join an eleven-member Umpiring Panel to officiate at the Lanka Premier League.

“The introduction of the two respected overseas umpires to the LPL umpiring panel is a move towards further enhancing the quality of this tournament. Both Wayne and Gregory will join an impressive panel of match officials appointed to officiate during the upcoming edition, said Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director, LPL.

The following is the Panel of Match Officials appointed for the Lanka Premier League 2022, which will commence on December 6, 2022, at MRICS, Hambantota.

Match Referee Panel

1.) Graeme Labrooy – International Panel of ICC Match Referees
2.) Wendell Labrooy – International Panel of ICC Match Referees
3.) Manoj Mendis – Premier Panel Match Referee (First Class Cricket)
4.) Pradeep Jayaprakash – Premier Panel Match Referee (First Class Cricket)

Umpiring Panel

• 1.) Kumar Dharmasena – ICC Elite Panel Umpire
• 2.) Raveendra Wimalasiri – ICC International Panel Umpire
• 3.) Ruchira Palliyaguruge – ICC International Panel Umpire
• 4.) Wayne Knights – ICC International Panel Umpire
• 5.) Gregory Braithwaite – ICC International Panel Umpire
• 6.) Lyndon Hannibal – ICC International Panel Umpire
• 7.) Prageeth Rambukwella – ICC International Panel Umpire
• 8.) Ranmore Martinesz – Former ICC Umpire
• 9.) Ravindra Kottahachchi – Premier Panel Umpire (First Class Cricket)
• 10.) Chamara de Soyza – Premier Panel Umpire (First Class Cricket)
• 11.) Chandrika Amarasinghe – Premier Panel Umpire (First Class Cricket)

Sports Minister – Roshan Ranasinghe has appointed a 6-member committee to inquire into the incidents reported against the Sri Lanka Cricket players while in Australia for the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup.

The committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Kusala Sarojani Weerawardena, will probe the incidents as per the 39(3) of the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973 to investigate the participation of the Sri Lankan cricket team representing the country.

The committee also includes former Ministry Secretary Kingsley Fernando, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Nagahamulla, retired Riyad Admiral Ananda Peiris, former cricketer Nalinda Alwis and lawyer Shalani Roshana Fernando.