COLOMBO: Sri Lankan Test cricket captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after an accident in the capital on Sunday, a police spokesman said.

“He was arrested early this morning for drinking and driving after the vehicle driven by him hit a three wheeler and injured its driver,” police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. “We have released him on personal bail, but he was asked to be in court on Monday for a magisterial inquiry.”

The 30-year-old Karunaratne, who has no history of disciplinary problems, or his lawyer was not immediately available for comments.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the incident and said it will follow due process in determining the future course of action. “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform that a road accident has occurred in the early hours of Sunday between a three-wheeler and a vehicle driven by national player Dimuth Karunaratne,” the board said in a statement. “Dimuth is undergoing due legal procedures with regard to the incident.

“In the meantime, Sri Lanka Cricket will also follow the due process as per his ‘Player Contractual Obligation’ with the organisation and conduct an inquiry in order to take necessary action.”

Sri Lanka won the two-Test series against South Africa last month under Karunaratne’s captaincy to become the first Asian team to win a series in the African nation.

The left-handed opening batsman has played 60 Tests for the island team.

The incident comes as Sri Lankan cricket officials mull who to name as captain of the one-day squad for the World Cup hosted by England and Wales from May 30.

Karunaratne had been in the frame to lead the one-day side as well following the stunning Test victories in South Africa.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2019