Lokuarachchi appeal rejected

Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) disciplinary committee has rejected an appeal by Bloomfield cricket and Athletic Club that Kaushal Lokarachchi's four month ban be partially lifted. The club had wanted him to resume domestic cricket, arguing that he needed time to prepare for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka next Feb and March.

However, the disciplinary committee ruled that their suspension should remain, meaning that Lokuarachchi will not be able to take part in any competitive cricket conducted by the SLC until December 20. He has already been ruled out of the series against England that commences next week.

According to the committee, the affair should "act as a lesson to all national cricketers and sportsmen, who may only be concerned about their rights, but fail miserably to understand their duties." The committee added that the time has come for a proper code of conduct for national cricketers.

Lokuarachchi, 21, is facing court charges for causing a fatal accident in a car driven by him where a mother was killed and her son seriously injured at a bus stand in Kadawatha in August. He has represented Sri Lanka in three Tests and five one-day internationals.