Sri Lanka's suspended opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka was left out Tuesday from the 15-man squad to play the five-match one-day international series against the touring South African side.
Gunathilaka, 27, was suspended on Sunday by Sri Lanka Cricket over a "misconduct" charge after a close associate of his was arrested for allegedly raping a Norwegian woman in the team hotel in Colombo.
BREAKING: Sri Lanka Cricket suspends Danushka Gunathilaka from all forms of international cricket for breaching the ‘Player Code of Conduct’, pending inquiry. pic.twitter.com/xBQ1G9vQQO
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 22, 2018
The Sri Lanka board had said Gunathilaka, who was allegedly in the room at the same time but was not arrested, will remain suspended pending a disciplinary inquiry.
It was unclear, however, when the inquiry will begin.
Sri Lanka Cricket suspends opener Danushka Gunathilaka for flouting team norms. His non-cricketer friend arrested for raping Norwegian woman in team hotel. Player suspended for violation of rules regarding returning to room by midnight and not having guests #SriLankaCricket
— Sports Express (@Xpress_Sports) July 23, 2018
His suspension is a blow to Sri Lanka as Gunathilaka was the side's second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2-0 Test series whitewash completed on Monday.
Gunathilaka ‘innocent’ of rape charges: Police https://t.co/Oqpk7xK3qw pic.twitter.com/PMtli3ZKAW
— DailyMirror (@Dailymirror_SL) July 23, 2018
The ODI series begins on Sunday at Dambulla and ends on August 12 in Colombo. A one-off Twenty20 is due to be played in Colombo on August 14.
All-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya, 26, is expected to replace Gunathilaka, while uncapped Prabath Jayasuriya was brought in to the squad.
Sri Lanka ODI squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dananjaya, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshan Sandakan, and Shehan Jayasuriya.