Hannibal unfit for international games – Hasaranga

Rex Clementine at Dambulla

Moments after his altercation with match officials following Sri Lanka’s loss in the third T-20 International at Dambulla, Wanindu Hasaranga was charged by Match Referee Chris Broad for bringing the game into disrepute.

Hasaranga was disputing with the umpires for not calling a no ball after Kamindu Mendis faced a high full toss in the last over of the innings with Sri Lanka desperate to get over the line.

Having exchanged heated words with umpire Lyndon Hannibal, Hasarnaga then turned up at the media center and let his feelings known. While the press loved his comments, it could land the Sri Lankan captain in trouble. He faces a sanction between a fine and a suspension or even both.

“This can not happen in an international match. If it had been little bit higher, it could have hurt the batsman. I think the umpire is unfit for international cricket. He’d better do some other job,” Hasaranga said in response to a question posed by The Island.

“It was a no ball. No two words about it. If a mistake was done he has to be humble and accept the mistake. I think he is a misfit for the game.”

While high full tosses can be reviewed in franchise cricket like the IPL, it is still a no-go zone in international cricket as non-dismissals can not be reviewed. Hasaranga was of the view that it should be allowed in international cricket too.

“Our batsmen tried to review it but there’s no provision to review it. If the television umpire is watching for front foot no balls, he should look for high full tosses as well. On the other hand, the umpire could have reviewed if he wasn’t sure. Don’t know what he was thinking,” Hasaranga explained.

The game brought an end to the multi-format bilateral series between the countries. Sri Lanka had won six games in a row before faltering in the final encounter which they lost by three runs. But there were many positives to a side that has been rejuvenated with new selectors infusing confidence to players to express themselves rather than being defensive.

Kamindu Mendis you feel is the kind of player who has always got a raw deal. As Sri Lanka made four changes for the third T-20 International, the former Richmond College cricketer was given a game and he proved himself with an unbeaten 65 and nearly helped Sri Lanka to finish the tour with an unbeaten record.

“Kamindu Mendis is a fantastic player. That’s why he is in the squad. He showed what he is capable of. It is good to have this kind of competition. It was a rare opportunity for him and he grabbed it with both hands,” Hasaranga added.

Sri Lanka will have about a ten-day break before heading to Bangladesh where they will play two Tests, three ODIs and three T-20 International. That will be the national cricket team’s last assignment before heading for the World Cup to be held in the Caribbean and the United States.