Had Hasaranga not been named in the Test squad, the ban would have seen him miss the start of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign in June. But as it turned out, his return to the Test fold – despite not having played a first-class match in over a year – ensured that his ban would be served during Sri Lanka’s next two Tests instead.
According to SLC, Hasaranga had informed them in an email on March 16 of his desire to be considered for Test match selection going forward, citing his improved fitness levels.
Ajantha Mendis, a member of Sri Lanka’s selection committee, meanwhile stated that Hasaranga had in fact intimated his desire to play Test cricket even earlier.
“It was about two weeks ago that he told us he was open to playing Tests again,” Mendis told ESPNcricinfo. “We know how it looks, but this decision was taken well before the final ODI.”
The ICC is believed to have been in touch with SLC about the matter, to confirm Hasaranga’s Test return more than anything else. Though there is awareness of the circumstances and possible intentions of Hasaranga’s Test return, there is also an acknowledgement that no rules have been broken and so little can be done about it.
Had Hasaranga actually played the Tests, it would have impacted his early availability with Sunrisers Hyderabad at IPL 2024. ESPNcricinfo has learned, however, that Sunrisers were unaware of Hasaranga’s plan to play those Tests.