The International Cricket Council (ICC) Judicial Commissioner Michael Beloff QC on Friday dismissed Sri Lanka Captain Dinesh Chandimal’s appeal against his one-match ban, over unlawfully changing the condition of the ball, imposed by ICC Match Referee Javagal Srinath.
A media release said that the four demerit points Chandimal received are to also stay on Chandimal’s disciplinary record and such points are to remain on the player’s disciplinary record for a period of 24 months following which they will be expunged.
"Judicial Commissioner, The Hon Michael Beloff QC, has dismissed Dinesh Chandimal’sappeal after the Sri Lanka captain was found guilty of changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC’s Standard Test Match Playing Conditions during the second day’s play in the second cricket Test against the Windies in St Lucia on Saturday (June 16). Mr Beloff’s written reasoned decision will be provided on Wednesday 27 June," the release further added.
"Accordingly, the original decision of the ICC Match Referee Mr Javagal Srinath, handing Chandimal the maximum punishment available under the code, i.e. two suspension points and a fine of 100 per cent of his match fee, will stand."
As a result, fast-bowler and present Sri Lanka vice-captain Suranga Lakmal, 31, who hails from Debarawewa Central, Matara is most likely to lead Sri Lanka in place of Chandimal in the Barbados Test. He is playing in his 47th match in a career spanning over seven years.
Beloff, who is also the Chairman of the ICC Code of Conduct Commission, heard the appeal on Friday in a four-hour hearing in which both parties had been represented by legal counsel.
"I express my gratitude to all who, though located in four different places, London,Colombo, Dubai and Barbados, collaborated in enabling me to reach a decision in time for the third Test between the West Indies and Sri Lanka," Beloff said announcing his decision.