Avishka Gunawardene becomes impatient to clear his name

Toronto: Sri Lanka's former left-handed batsman and a high profile coach Avishka Gunawardene has become impatient to clear his name.

He has two more days to reply to the ICC charges and his lawyers have been also offered an extension if required. However, Gunawardene, who will turn 42 on Sunday is all set to reply to the charges in the next 24 hours, the two different sources in Sri Lanka have told to this Reporter.

"We are checking with the ICC what was the status of the first edition of the T-10 league in 2017. We are made to understand that the said league had approval in 2017 but was officially sanctioned in 2018. If it was not officially sanctioned in 2017, what is the difference between the tournament having approval in 2017 and officially sanctioned in 2018? Why can't it be called a private league ?", the source privy to this development said.

"We are made to understand that in a domestic tournament no team can have more than four foreign players. Here the entire team of Sri Lankan players played".

"Secondly, we are challenging the credibility of the player who has complained to the ICC. The name of the player, who is a son of the politician is googled, his records will speak itself".

"The player spoke only after the amnesty scheme was announced. If he was genuine why did he not report earlier? the source further added. "He first made himself safe before reporting and that's what will be challenged".

"What if the ICC amnesty scheme is announced again after five years and the players report then? The main purpose of having a rule of reporting the incident within 180 days is defeated".     

Sri Lanka's other right arm fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige, who too is facing the similar charges is all determined to clear his name.

Based in Australia, the 38-year-old Lokuhettige is all set to file his fresh reply to the ICC charges very soon, it is also learnt here.