Sri Lanka stood firm on their decision to include all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga in the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, despite his recent suspension by the ICC.
This strategic move permits Hasaranga to serve his suspension during the Bangladesh Tests, ensuring his availability for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup scheduled for June—the next major international event for Sri Lanka.
Had he not been selected for the Bangladesh Tests, the Sri Lankan T20 captain would have been sidelined for the first four matches of the World Cup.
Criticism was drawn towards Hasaranga during the third one-day international against Bangladesh when he was reprimanded by umpires for snatching his cap and mocking one of them.
On the same day, the 26-year-old apparently reversed his decision to retire from Test cricket and was subsequently included in Sri Lanka's 17-man Test squad.
Following an investigation, the International Cricket Council imposed a punishment on Tuesday, finding Hasaranga guilty of "showing dissent at an umpire's decision," resulting in three demerit points.
This accumulation brought his total demerit points to eight within a 24-month period, leading to a conversion into four suspension points as per ICC regulations.
These four suspension points translate to a ban from either two Tests, four ODIs, or T20Is, whichever occurs first.
However, Sri Lanka's media manager, Mahinda Halangola, clarified on Thursday that Hasaranga's inclusion in the Test squad was not solely aimed at facilitating his suspension before the World Cup.
Hasaranga had initially announced his retirement from Test cricket in August, intending to focus on limited-overs formats. However, he expressed a change of heart in a letter to the cricket board, expressing his desire to continue playing Test cricket.
"The selectors deliberated on it and opted to include him in the Test series," added Halangola.
This marks Hasaranga's second suspension within a month, following a two-match ban for dissent during a T20 international against Afghanistan in February.
Despite the test suspension, Hasaranga will also be available for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Sri Lanka's Test series against Bangladesh commences on Friday in Sylhet.
