Randiv banned for deliberate no-ball

Suraj Randiv's deliberate no-ball against India went against the ethos of the "Gentleman's game", according to Sri Lanka Cricket

Suraj Randiv has been handed a one-match suspension by Sri Lanka for his part in the no-ball controversy which overshadowed Monday’s one-day international against India.

The off-spinner has also forfeited his match fee along with team-mate Tillakaratne Dilshan, who was deemed to have had an influence on the incident.

Randiv’s no-ball prevented India opener Virender Sehwag from reaching his 13th ODI century as India wrapped up a six-wicket victory in the third game of the tri-series in Dambulla.

He overstepped when the scores were level, meaning Sehwag’s six off that delivery was irrelevant, leaving the opener stranded on 99 not out as India reached their target of 171 with the run accrued through the no-ball.

Sehwag later accused Sri Lanka of “deliberately” denying him his hundred, prompting Sri Lanka Cricket to launch an investigation into the matter.

A statement from the governing body confirmed both Randiv and Dilshan, who was alleged to have given the instruction to his team-mate to bowl the no-ball, were at fault.

“Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years,” read the statement.

“It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentlemen’s game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the ICC Spirit of the Game award for two consecutive years.

“As such, Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the third ODI... wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no ball by Suraj Randiv.

“Suraj Randiv has been suspended from the next match against New Zealand on August 19 and his match fee for the India versus Sri Lanka match has been forfeited.

“TM Dilshan’s inference in this issue has resulted in his match fee for the same match also being forfeited.”

Captain Kumar Sangakkara, who also came under the spotlight following the match, was also advised by SLC to ensure there is no repeat of the incident.