Kusal Perera handed four year ban for doping

The Sri-Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Perera has been handed a four year ban from cricket after his B sample was tested positive for a banned substance. He was earlier ruled out of the New Zealand tour.

The wicket-keeper’s urine sample was tested in Qatar after ICC initially found that it contained a banned substance. He has however received support from the Sri Lankan Sports Minister, who said that they will appeal the ban.

“The ICC has informed that he faces a four-year ban,” Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said. “We are hoping to appeal.”

Jayasekera had previously mentioned it as a conspiuracy to keep him out of the T20 World Cup but after he was tested positive, the Sports Minister came in support of Perera.

“We are doing all we can to defend him," the minister said. "We are wondering if this allegation is a conspiracy to keep him out of next year's T20 World Cup.”

Reports said that prior to the New Zealand tour Kusal Perera spoke with Sri Lanka’s President, Maithripala Sirisena. And he has since received strong backing from both the staff and the sports authority.

Interim coach Jayaratne has also backed him. “Kusal feels he has not taken any form of drugs or any form of medication to that effect - so it's left to be seen how it will be investigated”, he said.