ICC launches probe into Sri Lanka cricket

Colombo, September 24

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an anti-corruption investigation in Sri Lanka but did not specify if any particular series involving the country is under the scanner. 

The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) officers had recently visited the country as part of the probe, the world body said in a statement.

"The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit works to uphold the integrity in cricket and this includes conducting investigations where there are reasonable grounds to do so," ICC General Manager – ACU, Alex Marshall, said in a statement. Sri Lanka had lost a home ODI series against Zimbabwe 2-3 before suffering a whitewash at the hands of India, losing three Tests, five ODIs and a one-off T20I.

The statement came a day after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that 40 of its contracted players called for an immediate inquiry into certain shocking allegations made by former player and selector, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, insinuating unnatural and mysterious match patterns. "There is currently an ICC (ACU) investigation underway in Sri Lanka. Naturally as part of this we are talking to a number of people. We will not comment any further on an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information that would assist ACU in its enquiries, we would urge them to get in touch."

According to SLC sources, at least three members of ICC's anti-corruption units arrived in Sri Lanka to meet with its officials. They have addressed the members of the Sri Lankan team which is due to leave this week for the UAE to play Pakistan in two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. — PTI