Sri Lanka Cricket to take strict action in the match-fixing scandal

K. Mathivanan, the in charge of domestic cricket in Sri Lanka has confirmed that serious action will be taken by the SLC over the next two weeks in the Panadura-Kalutara fixing controversy. The inquiry was supposed to be over a long time back.

But as, Assistant Secretary Ravin is also involved, since it is his club Panadura and Priyantha Zoysa EXCO member also hails from Panadura, the declaration of the probe has deliberately been delayed. The other prominent name is Aruna de Silva, who is in charge of tour organizing logistics. He had an exchange of words with anti-corruption manager.

Former World Cup winning captain and legend Arjuna Ranatunga has said that Sri Lanka Cricket is sweeping the match fixing investigations in the controversial First Class game between Panadura SC and Kalutara Physical Culture Club under the carpet because several high-profile members of the Executive Committees are involved in the incident.

“The game between Kalutara and Panadura was fixed. It’s very clear. A complaint had been lodged. The inquiry has taken more than seven months. The guys who were involved in fixing the game are members or the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket,” Ranatunga told The Island.

“So when people are up to dirty tricks how can you expect cricket to run smoothly. They dragged the inquiry and they are going to sweep it under the carpet. I’m a little concerned about the young generation, especially the school cricketers. It’s high time that the current cricket establishment is sent home and an Interim Committee is put in place. If we are going to turn a blind eye to things like these, we are heading towards disaster,” Ranatunga added.

The incident came into notice when Panadura SC scored 243 runs in 23 overs on day three after resuming on 180/2 in reply to Kalutara PCC’s 362/8. Panadura finished on 423, after which Kalutara marked 197 runs in 22 overs in the second innings, setting a target of 165 in 15 overs. Panadura achieved the target going 12 runs an over.