Former Sri Lanka skipper Sanath Jayasuriya responds to ICC corruption charges

Former Sri Lanka captain and opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya says he has acted with “integrity” after being charged with corruption by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The apex body of the sport had on Monday charged the Sri Lankan with two breaches of its Anti-Corruption Code. He has been accused of failing to co-operate with an investigation as well as “concealing, tampering with or destroying evidence”.

However, in response to the recent development, Jayasuriya says the charges “do not contain allegations pertaining to match-fixing, pitch fixing or any other similar corrupt activity”. The 49-year-old has been given 14 days to respond to the charges.

In a statement issued after the corruption charges, the former cricketer said, “The charges allege that I have not been cooperative and not assisted their investigations. I have always conducted myself with integrity and transparency with matters concerning the sport and I will continue to do so.”

Jayasuriya refused to hand over his mobile for personal reasons

According to BBC Sinhala, the charges against Jayasuriya by the ICC are related to the former batsman refusing to hand over his mobile phone to ICC authorities, citing “personal reasons”. Earlier in October, Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC anti-corruption unit, announced that there would be an investigation into “serious allegations of corruption” in Sri Lanka.

According to reports, Jayasuriya retained his position as chairman of selectors during the period when he was under investigation.

The former cricketer was player of the tournament when Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996. The all-rounder scored 21 centuries and took 323 wickets in 445 one-day internationals for Sri Lanka. He also averaged 40.07 runs in 110 Test matches.

He retired from international cricket in 2011 but continued playing Twenty20 matches until 2012. Jayasuriya also had a stint with IPL side Mumbai Indians and was part of the team since the inaugural season in 2008 till 2010.

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