International Cricket Council tribunal clears Sri Lankan test cricketer and coach Avishka Gunawardene

Mark Milliken-Smith QC represented Mr Gunawardene in a 4 day hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal of the ICC. On the 9th May 2021 former Sri Lanka player and coach Avishka Gunawardene was unanimously cleared of two charges against him under the Emirates Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Code.

Mr Gunawardene is allowed to resume participation in cricket with immediate effect, having been suspended from doing so since 9th May 2019 whilst the investigation and tribunal proceeded. The Tribunal’s full written reasons are not expected for some weeks.

Mr Gunawardene had been charged with:

• Article 2.1.4 – Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1
• Article 2.4.5 – Failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) full details of any incident, fact, or matter that comes to the attention of a Participant that may evidence Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code by another Participant.

Mr Milliken-Smith QC was instructed by Manoj Rupasinghe of Lloyds PR Solicitors, London.

Further details of this case can be found at:

• ICC
• BBC