Share

Sri Lanka skipper fined after drunk-driving crash

Colombo - Sri Lanka's cricket board on Wednesday fined captain Dimuth Karunaratne $7 000 after he was arrested for drunk-driving, with the player also ordered to stand trial next month.

Karunaratne, 30, has apologised for his "unbecoming" actions after he was detained for crashing into a three-wheel taxi on Sunday, leaving its driver injured.

"Sri Lanka Cricket decided to impose a fine of $7 000 on Dimuth Karunaratne, after the player was found to have violated the 'Player Contractual Obligation,'" the board said in a statement.

However, the board will take no further action as he had maintained a "very high professional standard as a player".

A magistrate has suspended Karunaratne's driving licence and fixed a trial for May 2. The cricket star was also asked to take a medical test.

Police told the court that Karunaratne went through a red light and hit the taxi whose driver was hospitalised for minor injuries after the pre-dawn crash.

"My actions were utterly unbecoming of a Sri Lankan national cricketer and I do apologise to all of you for this incident," Karunaratne said in a statement on Monday.

The incident came as Sri Lanka decides who will be captain for the national team at the Cricket World Cup starting in England on May 30. 

Karunaratne, who led Sri Lanka to a stunning Test series victory against South Africa last month, had been one of the favourites for the position.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Glasgow Warriors 21
Sharks 5
loading... Live
North West 146/4
Warriors RSA 145/7
loading... Live
Titans RSA 135/8
Lions 154/8
loading... Live
Ulster 11
Cardiff Rugby 14
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE