The ICC stated that Sri-Lankan cricketer Kusal Perera would be compensated by the cricket body as the player was wrongly accused of doping charges and was suspended during Sri-Lanka’s Tour of New Zealand back in 2015. Perera was found guilty by a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar initially. In May 2016, the ban was lifted and the ICC reported that the test was “an atypical finding” which should not be considered as an evidence of doping. After the ban was lifted he joined the Sri-Lankan squad for England’s tour and is currently playing the ODI series.
Also read: Kusal Perera replaces injured Dhammika Prasad in Sri Lankan Test squad
As per the reports from the Deccan Chronicle, the ICC was eager to make amends for their mistake. “Perera has incurred a cost of more than 500,000 pounds towards administrative legal costs for his case and the entire sum will be compensated” stated one of the officials of the ICC during their on-going annual meet in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The ICC Chief Executive stated, ”We regret what Mr.Perera has had to endure, and would like to commend him for the manner in which he has conducted himself throughout this period.”
The President of Sri-Lanka Cricket (SLC), Thilanga Sumathipala said that he would be negotiating the damages. The SLC also confirmed that it is planning to seek for the “loss of opportunity” on behalf of the player for losing his peace of mind and also due to the fact that the Sri Lankan side was without his services.
Also read: England vs Sri Lanka ODI series 2016: The combined XI
“I had not done anything wrong, but I went through tremendous mental stress.” Said Kusal back in May, when the ban imposed on him was lifted. “I want to start practising and get back to international cricket at the earliest. I thank my fans and the board who and the board who stood by me during this trying period. I knew I would be cleared. I am relieved all this is over and I want to get back into form.”
It was also learnt that the WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar has been banned. Kusal Perera has featured in 57 ODIs, 4 Tests and 22 T20 Internationals for the Sri Lankan side and has crossed the three-figure mark thrice in the 50-over format.
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