Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka Acquitted Of Sexual Assault Charges

In a drastic turn of events, Sri Lankan Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka who was suspended over sexual assault charges in Australia, has been cleared of all charges.

Court Proceedings

In her verdict, Judge Sarah Huggett concluded that the evidence presented made it implausible for Gunathilaka to have tampered with the condom, as it remained completely intact throughout. The judge also rejected the prosecution's allegations that the cricketer deliberately provided untrue statements during police interrogation.

"The defendant cooperated fully during the interview, and it appeared evident that he was genuinely trying to be honest and assist the police."

Reportedly, Gunathilaka has been cleared of all charges and is now permitted to return to Sri Lanka.

Suspension From The Game

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the Executive Committee of the country's cricket board decided to suspend Gunathilaka from all forms of cricket on Monday, September 18. He has also not been considered for any selections after being informed about the star batter's arrest and charges levelled in Australia.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board in a press release statement said, "We will take the necessary steps to promptly carry out an inquiry into the alleged offence, and, upon conclusion of the aforementioned court case in Australia, steps will be taken to penalize the said player if found guilty."

Further adds, "Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to emphasize that it adopts a zero-tolerance policy for any such conduct by a player and will provide all the required support to the Australian law enforcement authorities to carry out an impartial inquiry into the incident."

Danushka Gunathilaka Charged Over Rape

Danushka Gunathilaka was seen seeking bail with the help of his lawyer Ananda Amaranath after reportedly being arrested for a sex crime.

The 31-year-old was arrested at a hotel in Sydney on November 6, hours after the national team lost to England at the Twenty20 World Cup. Although, Gunathilaka was ruled out during the first round citing a hamstring injury but stayed with the team in Australia.

Gunathilaka was charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent. New South Wales state police claimed that squad detectives had investigated the alleged sexual assault of a woman in Sydney's eastern suburbs last week.

Who is Danushka Gunathilaka?

Danushka Gunathilaka is a 31-year-old star cricketer of the Srilanka Cricket Team. He is considered one of the all-rounders the team has.

Left-hand batsmen groomed in part at Sinhalese Sports Club and later went on to play for the national team.

He debuted in international tournaments in 2015. During the tour he impressed by hitting two smart fifties from four innings, to finish as the team's second-highest run-scorer. Gunathilaka player, he has played eight Tests, 47 ODIs, and 46 T20s.

Sri Lanka's cricket board articulated that they were following the case after being informed about the charges by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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