According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, SLC’s chargesheet revealed that first-class match referee Wendell Labrooy was led to believe that Shanaka had a concussion and needed a substitute to be approved. This was based on SLC CEO Ashley de Silva’ statement: “SSC [Shanaka’s first-class club] would probably be conducting their own inquiry as well”.

However, Shanaka later clarified to the website that de Silva and others were aware of his Dubai plans. He added that after leaving the ground following his dismissal on the third morning of the three-dayer, he visited a doctor to seek medical clearance having incurred a blow to his neck while batting that day, before leaving for the UAE.

“SLC and the club knew I had to leave,” Shanaka said. “I only came back because there was a request from the SSC to play this first-class match. But my other team wanted me back, as I’d helped win two games for them earlier in the tournament.”

Shanaka scored a century before leaving for Dubai

In a bid to avoid relegation, SSC recalled three of their Sri Lanka stars from ILT20 for the match against Moors Sports Club in the Major League Tournament. He picked up a wicket in the 21 overs he bowled on the opening day, before he scored an unbeaten 39 on day 2 and converted it into a century on the final morning, en route to a 123 for 87.

Shanaka did not take further part in the game, before he resurfaced in Dubai that same evening, where he scored 34 off 12 at batting at No. 5 for Dubai Capitals. He did not bowl in that game either. Later, the all-rounder did not return home as he had played three more matches in ILT20 en route to a title haul.

SLC has yet to establish if Shanaka did exit the club game under suspect reason.