Sri Lankan cricketer Ashen Bandara was arrested on Saturday, March 9, following allegations that he had assaulted his neighbour over a parking dispute. According to a latest report by ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka Police revealed that the incident took place in Kolamunna, Piliyandala, where Ashen Bandara stays.
The 26-year-old cricketer was reportedly involved in a heated argument with his neighbour over a parked vehicle blocking the road. Bandara is alleged to have entered the neighbor’s house and physically assaulted him. Sri Lanka Police are investigating the incident and arrested Bandara on suspicion.
Sri Lanka Cricketer Ashen Bandara Arrested for Alleged Assault on Neighbour
Sri Lanka Police confirmed that the verbal confrontation escalated into a physical altercation. Bandara was granted bail the same day and is scheduled to appear in court on March 12.
“On Saturday evening one of the neighbours had complained of Bandara causing trouble, and that he had trespassed into someone’s house,” the Sri Lanka police was quoted as saying by ESPNcrcinfo. “The verbal confrontation had then escalated into a physical one. He was arrested on suspicion of assault on Saturday night and bailed out on the same day.”
We Will Discuss the Matter Internally – Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley De Silva stated that the board needs more information on the incident before deciding on any action against Ashen Bandara. He mentioned that Bandara is not a centrally contracted player but is associated with Police SC in the National Super League.
“We first need to look at the contract and also look at the incident. If he is thought to have brought SLC into disrepute, then there is further action that we can take. So we will discuss the matter internally and if it warrants an inquiry we will conduct one,” De Silva said.
The incident may affect Bandara’s career. Sri Lanka Cricket may take potential disciplinary action against him.
Ashen Bandara Last Played ODI Match for Sri Lanka Against India
Ashen Bandara, a middle-order batter renowned for his fielding, made his international debut in 2021. He has represented Sri Lanka in six ODIs and six T20Is in his international career.
The 26-year-old has scored 141 runs from five ODI innings at an average of 35.25, including two half-centuries. He has 97 runs from four T20I innings at an average of 24.25.
Bandara last played an international match in October 2023 during the Asian Games quarterfinal against Afghanistan, where he scored 13 runs in a losing cause. His last ODI was against India, where he sustained an injury while fielding and did not bat. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 73 and lost by 317 runs.
The cricketer played his most recent competitive match for Police SC on February 14, 2024, in the Major League Tournament, where he scored 51 runs in a winning effort.
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