Kusal Perera Fails Dope Test, Sent Home From New Zealand Tour

Sri Lanka wicket-keeper Kusal Perera failed a dope test during an earlier home series against Pakistan.

File photo of Kusal Perera. (Photo: Reuters)

Sri Lanka’s wicket-keeper Kusal Perera has been sent home from the tour of New Zealand after failing a doping test during an earlier home series against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Perera’s recall in a statement Monday. It said he had been randomly selected for a drug test during the Pakistan series and his A sample had tested positive for a banned substance.

In view of this and in terms of the applicable ICC regulations, SLC has recalled Perera from New Zealand.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s Statement

Kaushal Silva will take Perera’s place in the Sri Lanka squad. The first Test against New Zealand begins in Dunedin on Thursday.

Sri Lanka Cricket said Perera’s B sample would be tested and it would make every endeavour to allow him to resume playing cricket at the earliest opportunity.