SLC invites ICC Anti Corruption Unit to probe the match-fixing allegations:
Recently, the Sri Lanka cricket board has revealed that they have invited International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall to investigate match-fixing allegations.
The allegation stems from Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in July. Pakistan. Pakistan toured Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series which ended in a draw (1-1).
The first Test was won by the visitors at the back of the belligerent knock of opener Abdullah Shafique. Abdullah saw off pressure and tackled the opposition bowling well as Pakistan gunned down the improbable target of 342.
However, in the second Test match, Sri Lanka made a commendable comeback and won the game by 246 runs.
However, Sri Lanka’s opposition lawmaker, Nalin Bandara claimed that the above-mentioned series was fixed.
“The executive committee of SLC decided today to invite Mr. Alex Marshall, the General Manager of the ICC anti-corruption unit to Sri Lanka to investigate recent allegations of match-fixing made by a parliamentarian regarding the recently concluded Pakistan tour,” a statement from SLC said.
Although, the SL Board has invited the anti-corruption chief, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as yet has not been contacted by any of both, the Sri Lankan board or the ICC.
“No one — neither the ICC nor has the Sri Lanka Board — approached us on the recent allegations made by one of the opposition leaders regarding the 1-1 drawn Test series between the two countries. So unless and until we are being approached, we are not in a position to say anything,” a PCB official, when contacted, said.
“The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit always keeps a close check on all international matches. They were there in Sri Lanka during the July series, nothing happened, and no eyebrow was raised. If the Sri Lanka Board wants to investigate their players, they are free to do that. The PCB has nothing to do with it as it has something to do with SL cricketers. We will only react if the SL Board or ICC approaches us. So far there is no such thing.”
So, it is yet to be seen whether the allegations by Bandara are correct or not.
