COLOMBO: Danushka Gunathilaka’s ban from six limited-overs matches for misconduct during the home series against India has been cut by half following an appeal by the Sri Lankan all-rounder, the country’s cricket board said on Tuesday.

The remaining three matches will be part of a suspended sentence over a one-year period, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement, amid speculation several players may drop out of an upcoming Twenty20 series final game in Pakistan.

The board’s decision clears Gunathilaka to play in the three-match series starting Oct 26 in the UAE, though the final squad of 15 will not be announced until Friday.

“The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday [Monday] decided to revise the suspension imposed on Dhanushka Gunathilaka upon consideration of the appeal made on behalf of Gunathilaka by the Sinhalese Sports Club,” SLC said.

Gunathilaka, who has played one Test and 28 ODIs, pleaded guilty to the charges and missed Sri Lanka’s one-day series against Pakistan.

A source close to the board said skipper Upul Tharanga and Lasith Malinga were likely to pull out of the entire series due to security concerns about the final.

The board announced on Monday that it would go ahead with the tour.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2017