Colombo, July 27: Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has found himself at the centre of a spirited debate over the spirit of cricket after withdrawing a legitimate run-out appeal during a Lanka Premier League (LPL) match, a decision many believe proved costly as Kandy Royals slumped to a heavy defeat against Jaffna Kings.
The incident occurred in the seventh over of Jaffna’s innings when opener Kamil Mishara drove the ball back towards Hasaranga. The delivery ricocheted off non-striker Avishka Fernando’s bat before rolling towards the bowler, who gathered the ball and broke the stumps at the non-striker’s end with Fernando out of his crease.
Although the dismissal was within the Laws of Cricket, Hasaranga, who captains Kandy Royals, chose to withdraw the appeal, allowing Fernando to continue his innings. At the time, Fernando was batting fluently on 46 off 24 balls, with Jaffna having added 66 runs for the opening wicket.
The decision proved pivotal. Fernando went on to score a blistering 66 from just 36 deliveries as he and Mishara extended their opening partnership to 129 runs, laying the foundation for Jaffna Kings’ imposing total of 199 for four.
While former Sri Lanka cricketer Russell Arnold, on commentary, hailed the move as an act of “great sportsmanship”, others questioned whether the gesture ultimately cost the Royals a crucial breakthrough at a stage when they were searching for a way back into the contest.
Chasing a challenging target, Kandy Royals collapsed for just 106, suffering a crushing 93-run defeat. Lahiru Udara top-scored with 54, while Shaheen Afridi chipped in with 22, but no other batter managed to reach double figures.
Jaffna’s bowlers completed the dominant performance, with Mohamed Shiraz and Dunith Wellalage claiming three wickets apiece to dismantle the Royals’ batting line-up.
The defeat left Kandy Royals rooted to the bottom of the LPL standings with four losses from six matches, significantly denting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Hasaranga’s decision hassince divided opinion, with many praising the gesture as an example of cricket’s traditional values, while others argued that in professional sport, where every wicket can influence the outcome, such acts of generosity may come at too great a price. (Agencies)
