Sri Lanka Cricket to probe alleged match-fixing incident in domestic premier B division

Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is to probe an alleged match-fixing incident in the domestic premier B division, a statement said. Two clubs from neighbouring towns in the tournament ranked First-Class by the ICC, the Kalutara Physical Training Culture Circle and Panadura Sports Club have allegedly fixed a three- day game last week. It was alleged that on the final day, hit by rain, both sides had seen 24 wickets falling for a run rate of over 10 runs an over. In 20 minutes 13 overs were bowled. Both clubs figure influential members of the current SLC administration, the complainant Sri Lanka Ports Authority said.

Former World Cup wining captain Arjuna Ranatunga is the Sports Minister. SLC said strong action would be taken against wrong doers. An independent panel would be appointed to investigate. Former Sri Lanka captain Ranatunga revealed that he led his like a school principal in their World Cup success in 1996. Sri Lanka, out of all odds defeated heavyweights Australia in the World Cup final at Lahore. Ranatunga played 93 Test’s and 269 ODI’s in a career spanning 18 years. ”I led the team like a school principal. I would order my players to get back to their rooms at 10pm, even if they couldn’t get sleep early. We were stationed in Colombo, and I got these people from different backgrounds to eat, drink and sleep the World Cup,” reported News18.com.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

“I still remember every ball we bowled and every run we scored in the final match against Australia in Lahore. We entered the World Cup with abundant energy and hope. We were very confident. We were not afraid of anyone or any team in the world. Be it Australia or West Indies. I told my teammates that we will win if we have confidence in ourselves. I asked the team to focus on just playing and leave everything else to me,” he said.