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Ranatunga barred from practice

Sri Lanka cricket authorities have barred former captain Arjuna Ranatunga from team practice until he explains a recent, unauthorised visit to Canada.

Ranatunga travelled to Toronto for an exhibition match last weekend, but he had not informed the board or team management of his plans and he did not play, cricket officials said.

''I have written to Ranatunga and asked him to clarify the matter with me. Until then he cannot attend practices,'' team manager Chandra Schaffter said.

Ranatunga did not attend a practice session yesterday and was unavailable for comment today.

Sri Lanka are preparing to battle World champions Australia and India in a triangular one-day series from August 22.

The Australians will stay on for a three-Test series.

Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to a shock World Cup win in 1996, was removed from the captaincy after the team's dismal performance in this year's World Cup in England.

He was replaced by opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya.

Ranatunga was also dropped from Sri Lanka's one-day squad, though he remains in the 16-member squad for the Tests against Australia.

UNI