Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has fined Dasun Shanaka USD 10,000 for breaching his contractual obligations after he allegedly faked an injury during a first-class match in Sri Lanka to leave for the UAE and play for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.

Shanaka was accused of feigning a concussion during a first-class match in Colombo on 2 February to secure a substitute and depart for Dubai, where he participated in the Dubai Capitals’ match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders that same evening. Following the allegations, SLC launched an inquiry into the incident.

According to ESPNCricinfo, SLC’s chargesheet stated that match referee Wendell Labrooy was misled into believing Shanaka had suffered a concussion. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva noted that Shanaka’s first-class club, SSC, was also likely to conduct its own investigation into the matter.

However, Shanaka denied wrongdoing, asserting that both SLC and SSC were aware of his plans. He explained that after being dismissed on the third morning of the match, he sought medical clearance for a blow to his neck before leaving for the UAE.

“SLC and the club knew I had to leave,” Shanaka stated. “I only came back because SSC requested me to play this first-class match. But my other team wanted me back, as I had helped win two games for them earlier in the tournament.”