T20 World Cup 2022 Review: Wrongdoings and immature behavior cost Sri Lanka their campaign, reveals inquiry report

An independent investigation panel that was set up to conduct an inquiry regarding Sri Lanka's off-field behaviour during the T20 World Cup 2022 has published its report on the matter.

Sri Lanka did not have a happy T20 World Cup outing, held in October-November 2022. And for that, they themselves are to be blamed. The players along with the support staff got involved in some very non-sportsperson-like behaviour, which resulted in the Asian champions making a complete mess of their campaign.

An independent panel was entrusted with the responsibility of investigating the matter and the report that it has shared has a very disturbing story to tell.

Casinos, corruption and fake prophet hampered Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign

The independent investigation panel has issued a 63-page report which highlights a litany of wrongdoings and ill-mannerisms from players, officials and associates.

Bowler Chamika Karunaratne was involved in a brawl at a casino along with six teammates when he objected to a fellow punter taking his picture. Karunaratne was fined and given a suspended ban in 2022.

A man claiming to be a prophet had established considerable influence over some team members and key officials, the panel said, calling for a wider investigation. Under his influence, the bowler left an oil lamp burning in his room, despite hotel warnings of a fire hazard, it added.

On being requested for a proper explanation as to why players were allowed to visit a casino during a World Cup, team manager Mahinda Halangoda said players went to a casino for dinner because "all restaurants in Australia close after 8:00 or 8:30 pm" and it was the only place food was available. The panel did not seem convinced by this reasoning either.

A former high-performance manager, Jerome Jayaratne, had no role with the team but was sent to Melbourne for 10 days and paid $7,000, according to the document seen by news agency AFP. Jayaratne contributed nothing to the team on the trip and spent time with his sister instead.

Former skipper Mahela Jayawardene travelled as a “consultant coach” at the cricket board’s expense but opened a branch of his up-market Ministry of Crab restaurant chain in Australia.

Danushka Gunathilaka was placed under arrest just hours after Sri Lanka's tournament ended and is charged with four counts of sexual assault on an Australian woman.

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