Concerns continue to mount around Sri Lankan cricket, with fresh allegations involving players at the Under-19 level adding to a growing pattern of off-field controversy. Reports say two young cricketers from the Sri Lanka Under-19 setup have been arrested over claims that they secretly recorded women doctors staying at a private hotel, in an incident that has sparked an ongoing police investigation.
Arrest and alleged incident details
- Police allege that the two Under-19 players were involved in secretly filming female doctors while the women were bathing at a private property.
- The doctors were reportedly at the hotel to attend a professional conference.
- Authorities claim the suspects used mobile phones to record through bathroom openings.
- During further investigation, police say the accused were also found to have recorded footage involving male individuals on the premises.
- Investigators are currently working to determine whether any of the recorded material has been uploaded to the internet or circulated via social media platforms.
- The two players were produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court and were granted bail.
- Latest reports state that both players are currently out on personal bail of USD 1,564.
- The matter is set to be heard in court on May 25.
Earlier high-profile cases involving Sri Lankan cricketers
The new allegations come amid memories of prior controversies that have involved prominent names in Sri Lankan cricket. In 2022, Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested on rape charges during the T20 World Cup in Australia, but he was acquitted the following year. Earlier still, former Sri Lanka international Dulip Samaraweera was banned for 20 years by Cricket Australia after conduct deemed inappropriate toward a female player during a coaching period in Victoria.
There have also been reports tied to Tillakaratne Dilshan during Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2010. Following that tour, it was reported that the aggressive right-handed batter was implicated in a sexual assault case. The claims stated that, along with two other Sri Lankan cricketers, Jeevan Mendis and Dilhara Fernando, he picked up a girl from a nightclub and that the incident later took place at an unidentified location.
While allegations and claims can sometimes be disputed or exaggerated, the recurring nature of these accusations has reignited calls for stronger safeguarding and better mentoring within Sri Lankan cricket structures, including at youth levels.
