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Sri Lanka government to probe into fixing allegations

by Manuj Sharma Sunday 20 December 2015

Kusal Perera was also approached by a bookmaker during the Galle Test against West Indies.

©REUTERS / Action Images

The Sri Lankan government confirmed that they will launch a probe into an attempt made to fix the Galle Test match against West Indies in October.

Dayasiri Jayasekera, the Sri Lankan sports minister revealed that a man related to a bookmaker had approached Kusal Perera and Rangana Herath to trigger a batting collapse in the Galle Test.

Jayasekera further disclosed that close to $70,000 was offered to the players and the police are on the lookout for the man who made the corrupt approach.

“They wanted Sri Lanka to get out early for a very low score, Jayasekera told AFP.

“This is a match Sri Lanka was expected to win, but if they lost, the bookie would have made a lot of money.”

The sports minister also stated that there will be a police enquiry and a probe by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) into the incident after the two players reported the matter to the authorities.

“After Kusal turned down the offer, the man approached Herath who also rejected the offer and alerted the authorities,” added Jayasekera.

“We have started a police inquiry in addition to an anti-corruption probe by Sri Lanka Cricket.”

The chief executive of SLC, Ashley de Silva maintained that the board will not be able to discuss the case in accordance with the anti-corruption regulations of the International Cricket Council.

Sri Lanka won the Galle Test by an innings and six runs and went on to win the second Test by 72 runs to seal a 2-0 series victory against West Indies.