Sri Lankan umpire banned after joining ICL

Sri Lankan umpire Ranmor Martinesz has been banned from officiating at any matches sanctioned by Sri Lanka Cricket, after he joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League.

Martinesz had requested for leave from officiating at matches conducted by SLC, sources in the board said. However the SLC refused to grant him a break.

Martinesz, 40, was a fast bowling allrounder who represented St Peter's College. He was to go on to play for Sri Lanka Under-19 and U-23 before turning out for SSC, Negombo CC and Sebastianites.

A recurring back injury forced him into umpiring in 1996. He was promoted to the Premier division in 2000 and for the past three years had played the role of third umpire at Test matches and ODIs at home.

This news comes in the wake of the England board tightened up regulation to prevent county players from signing up the ICL.