During the third T20I against Afghanistan on February 21, Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga confronted umpire Lyndon Hannibal for not calling a no-ball on a high full-toss from Wafadar Momand to Kamindu Mendis. Hasaranga’s criticism resulted in his suspension for two matches by the ICC and a 50% fine on his match fees. He will miss Sri Lanka’s first two T20Is against Bangladesh next month.
Umpire Hannibal overlooked a delivery that would likely deem a no-ball due to its height if Kamindu Mendis stood upright at the popping crease. Hasaranga expressed dissatisfaction, stating that such errors should not occur in international matches, criticizing the umpire’s suitability for international cricket.
Sri Lanka, needing 11 runs from the last three balls, eventually lost the match by three runs, concluding the Afghanistan series 2-1.
Hasaranga’s breach of article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct led to his suspension, with three demerit points accumulated. The authorities fined Rahmanullah Gurbaz 15% of his match fee and issued him one demerit point for altering his bat grip on the field despite prior warnings. Gurbaz now has a total of two demerit points.
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