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ZCZC

BSP-23

SRI-ENG-ICC-CORRUPTION-CRICKET

ICC warns England, Sri Lanka players of match-fixing ahead of tour

COLOMBO, Oct 3, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Cricket’s world governing body said
Wednesday players would be briefed about the risk of approaches from
“corrupters” during England’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka amid fears of match-
fixing.

The International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall
said Sri Lanka was the subject of corruption inquiries but the England tour
itself was not under question.

“However, I will take the opportunity to brief both the teams over the
coming days to ensure they remain alert to the risks from would be
corrupters,” Marshall said in a statement.

TV news channel Al Jazeera broadcast a documentary in May showing a
groundsman and a player allegedly discussing possibilities of altering the
pitch at Galle where England will play their first Test against the hosts
from November 6.

England will play five one-day internationals, three Tests and a one-off
T20 between October 10 and November 27.

Galle groundsman Tharanga Indika and professional cricketer Tharindu
Mendis allegedly speculated about fixing the pitch to ensure a result in
under four days in the Test against England.

Both men have been suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket, pending the outcome of
an ICC investigation. A third man, provincial coach Jeevantha Kulathunga, was
also suspended.

Marshall said ICC investigators were currently in Sri Lanka, but declined
to elaborate.

“I can confirm that we have, at their request, provided a detailed
briefing to the Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister and Sports Minister,”
Marshall said.

Sri Lankan players and umpires have been accused of match-fixing in the
past.

Jayananda Warnaweera, a former curator at Galle, was suspended by the ICC
for refusing to cooperate with a corruption inquiry. His three-year ban ends
in January.

No big-name Sri Lankan player has ever been convicted of corruption but
several stars have alleged match-fixing and spot-fixing.

Sports Minister Faiszer Musthapha promised tougher laws and a special
police unit to deal with match-fixing after the Al Jazeera documentary made
sweeping allegations of corruption.

He said existing laws were inadequate to deal with match-fixing and other
forms of cheating.

BSS/AFP/BZC/1850HRS