Sri Lanka Cricket Probes Shanaka for Alleged Concussion Deception

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has initiated an inquiry into allegations against former captain Dasun Shanaka, who reportedly left a first-class match early to play a franchise T20 game in the UAE on February 2.

The inquiry stems from claims that match referee Wendell Labrooy was misled to believe that Shanaka had suffered a concussion in order to secure approval for a substitute. According to SLC CEO Ashley de Silva, the board plans to investigate these claims thoroughly. “SSC [Shanaka’s first-class club] would probably be conducting their own inquiry as well,” de Silva said.

Shanaka, however, contends that both SLC and his club were informed about his need to leave the game early. He stated that he departed shortly after being dismissed on the third day of a three-day match against Moors Sports Club. “I left the ground after seeing a doctor about a neck injury sustained while batting,” Shanaka told ESPNcricinfo. After receiving medical clearance from a physiotherapist, he later flew to Dubai to participate in a T20 match.

“SLC and the club knew I had to leave,” he added. “I only returned because of a request from the SSC to play in this first-class match. However, my other team wanted me back, as I helped them win two games already during the tournament.”

The controversy surrounding Shanaka’s early exit is particularly sensitive for SLC, especially given the circumstances and the potential precedent it sets. de Silva compared Shanaka’s situation to that of Lasith Malinga, who had also played in different matches across two competitions but remained on the field until the conclusion of both games.

During the game against Moors Sports Club, Shanaka had a standout performance, bowling 21 overs and ending Day 2 with an unbeaten score of 39. On Day 3, before leaving the match allegations arose, he contributed significantly to the scoreboard, hitting a total of 123 runs off 87 balls.

Hours after his departure from Colombo, Shanaka made headlines in Dubai, scoring 34 runs off just 12 balls for the Delhi Capitals against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 league. His performance was praised widely on social media for showcasing dedication to the sport.

Shanaka went on to participate in three more matches for the Capitals, helping the team clinch the title against Desert Vipers and playing a crucial role in the final match.

The 33-year-old all-rounder has represented Sri Lanka in various formats—6 Tests, 71 ODIs, and 102 T20Is—accumulating 2,895 runs and 73 wickets in international cricket. He remains a pivotal player despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his recent matches.