Danushka Gunathilaka has run into controversy once again with the Sri Lanka batsman’s injury in the Asia Cup now under the scanner.
The Sri Lankan opener was picked in the squad for the Asia Cup but subsequently ruled out of the tournament after attending just one training session in Dubai. The batsman had complained of back pain before being sent home.
According to a report by Sri Lankan daily The Island, it has emerged that Gunathilaka was already carrying a niggle when he departed for the UAE but failed to inform the team management about his injury.
The report adds that Gunathilaka did not even carry his bats and training kit for the tournament. The left-hander is reportedly set to gain financially by being selected for the tour with the insurance scheme for all contracted Sri Lanka players assuring him for all payments due to the ‘loss of income’ clause in the contract.
Gunathilaka (l) has had disciplinary issues in the past too.
The injured Gunathilaka was eventually replaced by Shehan Jayasuriya in the Asia Cup squad.
This is not the first time that the 27-year-old has found himself at the centre of a controversy. In August last year, he was suspended after turning up for an ODI against India without his training kit after partying late in the night.
He was in trouble once again this August during the home series against South Africa. The batsman was found guilty of breaking the team curfew during the final Test against the Proteas and was subsequently suspended for six limited-overs matches and slapped with a heavy fine by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).