Two clubs in Sri Lanka face one year suspension on match fixing charges

As Sri Lankan cricket continues to falter at the highest, there isn’t great news coming from the club level too. The two leading clubs Panadura and Kalutara PCC who were found guilty of match fixing charges are going to be suspended for one year, announced a verdict. The inquiry report that was completed and submitted to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the charges.

Both the clubs are to be fined and suspended for one year. They were initially pressed with the charges in January this year. Earlier Assistant Secretary Ravin who is associated with the Panadura CC had threatened to resign if the club was banned. However, SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala has been strict and adamant over the issue. He made it clear with his decision that even the minor corruption charges won’t be tolerated under any circumstances.

Match fixing has been a grave issue in cricket and probably the most contentious incident in the history of sporting events. Many tournaments like the famous IPL and PSL and even international cricket has been haunted by these allegations. Most players found guilty of fixing have served life bans.

The discovery

As reported by cricketage, the corrupt activities came into consideration when Panadura SC scored 243 runs in 23 overs on day 3 having resumed play on 180/2 in reply to Kalutara PCC’s 362/8. Panadura completed their innings with 423 runs on the board, after which Kalutara set a target of 165 runs in 15 overs. Panadura achieved the target with a brisk run rate of 12 runs an over.

The match had been played on 23, 24 and 25 January 2017 at the Surrey Village Grounds at Maggona, as part of Sri Lanka’s Domestic Premier ‘B’ tournament. It is a first-class tournament recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The suspension also sends a message to the other teams to stay away or report any fraudulent activities.