Lasitha Malinga faces a one-year ban and a fine equal to 50% of the next match fee a breach of contract, as he spoke to media without permission.

Sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekara had commented that the "big bellies" of Sri Lanka`s players was the cause for poor fielding. Malinga had responded to the comment in a way that ridiculed the minister`s knowledge of cricket, despite knowing that he cannot make a statement to the media without prior approval from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Malinga pleaded guilty to the breach in front of a special inquiry panel of the SLC. A special executive committee imposed a "one-year suspension, suspended by six months (whereby the punishment would be imposed in the event of a similar infraction within the stipulated six month period)" on top of the 50% fine on his next match fee.