Sri Lanka probes mid-air antics of cricketer

Sri Lanka Cricket said Tuesday it will investigate reports a drunk player tried to open a cabin door at 35,000 feet (10,600 metres) during a flight from St Lucia to London.

The batsman was seen by other passengers pushing and pulling the door on the plane while searching for the toilet, about two hours out from London's Gatwick airport on Monday, British media have reported.

British Airways (BA) crew members subdued the player, whose actions were causing panic among the plane's 229 passengers, according to the Daily Mail.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said it was "disappointed" with the reported incident and vowed disciplinary action against the batsman if it was proved true.

It said in a second statement Tuesday that the team manager reported that batsman Ramith Rambukwella had mistaken the cabin door for the toilet.

"At that moment certain passengers had brought to his notice that he is trying to access the incorrect door.

"The player apologised profusely to the passengers and to the cabin staff who accepted it in good faith," the SLC said adding, however, that a disciplinary hearing would take place.

The team were on their way home from the West Indies.

BA was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying that the player had tried to open the cabin door in mid air instead of going to the toilet.

"The event was linked to an element of alcohol. He explained his mistake and cabin crew accepted it in good faith," BA had said.

It added that the airline had reassured passengers that it was impossible to open the pressurised door mid-flight and that at no point was the safety of passengers compromised.