Sri Lanka Suspends Fast Bowler Shehan Madushanka For Alleged Possession of Illegal Drugs

The coronavirus pandemic has the put world on hold. It’s the time when things don’t seem real, and where each one of us needs to do our bit to be protected from the crisis. While everyone is hoping that the coronavirus doesn’t cause more damage than it has to people and businesses across the globe, cricket fans can’t help but feel some concern regarding the immediate future of cricket.

With over 2.5 billion fans, cricket is the second most popular sport in the world. It is in our blood. It is who we are. After all, when there is so much cricket, and it’s taken away in an instant, it can be difficult to get used to it. However, there are various activities that cricket fans can do while they stay at home.

Cricket lovers can watch the re-runs of cricket matches on online streaming platforms. With this, you can recall the best moments in the game, and watch your favourite cricketers in action on the field.

Cricket fans also like the idea of the betting, and many of them are more than eager to place bets on their favourite teams and players. This is because betting on a player or a team is a good way to show support. So, you have the option to enjoy online cricket betting as well. When betting online, all you need to do is register for an account with an online bookmaker, make deposits, place bets, and wait for the outcome. It’s that easy! And the best part is that all this can be done from the comfort of your home.

The first case of any contracted player being remanded for carrying drugs

While cricket lovers are trying to fill in the time they would usually have to enjoy the game they love so much, some things from the cricket world are disappointing them. Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) suspended fast bowler Shehan Madushanka from all forms of cricket, with immediate effects, after he was found guilty for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

This was the very first case of any contracted player being remanded for carrying drugs. While breaking the lockdown rules, Madushanka was caught driving a car with another person at the time of his arrest.

The 25-year-old broke into the international scene in January 2018 with an ODI hat-trick against Bangladesh. With this, he became the fourth player in ODI history to achieve such feat. Madushanka has bowled for Sri Lanka in a couple of T20 matches along with a solitary One-day International.

Madushanka was detained in Pannala while he was in his car

Prior to the arrest, the pacer was driving his car with his friend. According to reports, he was found with 2.7 grams of heroin when he was detained in Pannala.

“Madushanka was stopped while driving with another person in a car during a nationwide coronavirus curfew. He was carrying just over two grams of heroin when detained in the town of Pannala on Sunday,” a police official had revealed as quoted by Times Now.

Sri Lanka has imposed a lockdown to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic but the player wasn’t following the lockdown guidelines when he was detained. The Sri Lankan government has restricted movement of vehicles to limit the spread of the virus and encourage social distancing measures.

When it comes to domestic cricket, Madushanka has played 14 First-class, 19 List-A, and 17 T20 matches in which he scalped 20, 14, and 15 wickets respectively. Amid being sidelined from the Sri Lankan team due to injury, the arrest will only cause more damage to the 25-year-old’s cricketing career.