Sri Lanka Cricket board to take strict action on the fixers

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to take strict action in the first-class match fixing scandal against the involved coaches and players. The match between Panadura SC and Kalutara PCC, the domestic clubs, was reportedly fixed and the investigating report has also been submitted to the board. The findings were discussed at a high-level meeting of SLC on Tuesday.

Investigators looked into the alleged match-fixing that took place in a first-class game – the Premier League Tier B contest between Kalutara Physical Culture Club and Panadura Sports Club at Surrey Village ground in Maggona. The report has recommended severe penalties for both clubs that includes a two-year suspension for all the players, coaches, managers and club officials along with the hefty fine on the clubs.

Thilanga Sumathipala cold shouldered the investigation

SLC chief Thilanga Sumathipala had earlier denied any kind of fixing and money involved in the game. “This is over performing. One thing that is certain is that in the Panadura – Kalutara game, no money has been involved. A team in order to win can use various tactics,” he had said a few days ago. But then he had to take a firm stance after the key member of SLC threatened to resign.

“Our great game has no place for the corrupt. The image of Sri Lankan cricket has been tarnished severely due to this incident and we will deal with them severely,” an SLC official told The Island. It has also been reported that the alleged match fixing was done so that Panadura SC could gain promotion to Tier ‘A’ while Kalutara PCC could avoid relegation to Sara Trophy. But complaints from the rival clubs forced SLC to take action.

Thilanga Sumathipala cold shouldered the investigation as both Panadura and Kalutara are a part of his vote base and leading officials from the clubs hold key positions within SLC.