The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga from the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) camp has become a growing concern for the IPL franchise. The Sri Lankan spinner, who was surprisingly picked in the Test squad to avoid ICC sanctions for the ICC T20 World Cup, is yet to join his IPL team a week into the tournament.
Wanindu Hasaranga offers No Timeline
Wanindu Hasaranga’s manager has assured that the player will be joining SRH “sooner than later” but could not provide a specific timeframe as per Cricbuzz. This vagueness has left the franchise in a limbo, unable to plan or seek a replacement.
Injury cited as cause for delay
The manager has denied rumours that money is a factor in the delay, pointing out that Wanindu Hasaranga could have opted for a higher base price during the auction.
Instead, he attributed the absence to an ankle injury and his national team captaincy duties.
SRH Waits
Wanindu Hasaranga’s delayed arrival has cast a shadow on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)’s recent decisions. The timing of his inclusion in the Test squad, coinciding with the looming ICC sanctions, has raised questions about its legitimacy.
Test Selection a Move to Avoid ICC Ban?
The ICC had suspended Wanindu Hasaranga for violating their bowling action regulations. However, his selection in the Test squad, a format he had retired from, ensured he wouldn’t miss any T20 World Cup matches due to the ban. The SLC has maintained that the selection was not a ploy to circumvent the ban.
Did SLC Know About Hasaranga’s Injury?
With Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence due to injury coinciding with the Test series selection, questions linger about the SLC’s knowledge of the issue. The board’s consultant, Sanath Jayasuriya, refused to comment without permission, and neither SLC officials nor Hasaranga himself have responded to inquiries.
SRH’s IPL 2024 in Jeopardy?
The uncertainty surrounding Wanindu Hasaranga’s arrival is a blow to SRH’s IPL campaign. The team’s inability to plan effectively due to the lack of a clear timeline could significantly impact their performance in the tournament.
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