Sri Lanka Chief Executive On Asanka Gurusinha (12 Feb 1997)

12 February 1997

Cricket Board CE writes

After the conclusion of the Sharjah Tournament, Asanka Gurusinghe granted an interview to newspapers a translation of same was carried in Sunday paper.

The Board by its letter dated 10th January, 1977 requested Asanka Gurusinghe to show cause as to why disciplinary action ought not to be taken against him under the Board constitution and tour contract for giving an unauthorised interview to the Press after the Sharjah Tour. Gurusinghe by his fax dated 20.1.97 gave an unconditional apology for his interview when he stated:

``Please accept this statement as an apology to all those who may have been effected by the published comments and please pass on my personal regret for this incident taking place in Colombo``.

Thereafter the Executive Committee of the BCCSL after reviewing Gurusinghe`s past disciplinary records and taking into consideration his seniority as a player, imposed a fine of 50% of Gurusinghe`s match fees of the Sharjah tour and made the payment of same, a condition precedent to him going as a member of the Sri Lanka Team to New Zealand. This was communicated to him on 3.2.97.

On 4.2.97 Gurusinghe without even requesting for any mitigation in the fine imposed, communicated by fax with the Board through his Business Manager allegedly appointed as far back as 1.1.96 and demanded that the fine be waived for him to be available to tour New Zealand.

It is a matter of regret that Gurusinghe`s Manager, who purports to be a highly professional individual was unaware that even the ICC Code of Conduct prohibits players and team officials from making any public pronouncement or media comment which is detrimental either to the game in general or to a particular tour in which they are involved.

It is further regretted that the Manager is blissfully unaware that whenever a player is dropped from any team the selectors owe no duty to inform him as why he is dropped. This is the practice in the world over.

Despite a series of falsehoods and half truths contained in the fax of 4.2.97 and its provocative nature, the Board once again requested Asanka Gurusinghe both in writing and orally to reconsider his decision. However, by fax dated 10.2.97 sent by Gurusinghe`s Business Manager which was co-signed by Asanka Gurusinghe himself, Gurusinghe refused to change his decision.

In the circumstances the Board is reluctantly compelled to accept Gurusinghe`s decision not to tour New Zealand after being selected for same. However, whilst appreciating his contribution to Sri Lanka Cricket, the Board express its profound disappointment and sadness at the decision taken by him.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)