Sri Lanka cricket to investigate on alleged match fixing issue in domestic league

A statement released by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board said that they will investigate an alleged match-fixing incident in the Domestic Premier B Division. Two clubs namely the Kalutara Physical Training Culture Circle and Panadura Sports Club have allegedly fixed a 3-day match last week. These two clubs from the neighbouring towns were given a first-class rank by the ICC.

It was alleged that on a rain-hit final day both sides lost as many as 24 wickets despite going at a run rate of over 10 runs per over. In just a mere 20 minutes as many as 13 overs were bowled. It was bound to create a stir as 13 overs in 20 minutes is not something which happens every day. The reports were conveyed by influential members of the current SLC administration, the complainant of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority told Indian Express.

Former World Cup winning captain Arjun Ranatunga is the Sports Minister and he confirmed that strong action will be taken by the SLC against the alleged culprits. An independent panel will also be appointed to investigate the whole matter. It is really sad to see so much corruption going on in the cricketing arena even in the junior levels.

The match-fixing saga first broke out when former South Africa captain confessed of having direct connection with an illegal bookmaker in 2000 and also conceded that was introduced to the bookie by the then Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Both were banned for life and it was a huge shock to the whole cricketing fraternity. People started losing faith in their favourite cricketers and many stopped watching cricket for years.

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Former Indian pacer S. Sreesanth was also banned for life when he was allegedly involved in spot-fixing during the 2013 IPL. Earlier in 2010, Pakistan banned 3 players for their involvement in spot-fixing during a match in England. Apparently, the then Pakistan captain had asked Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir to bowl deliberate no-balls in return for hefty sums.