SLC invites ICC to probe match-fixing allegations

Sri Lanka Cricket has invited International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall to investigate match-fixing allegations that have emerged from Pakistan’s two-match Test tour of the island nation in July.

Few weeks ago Nalin Bandara, an opposition lawmaker had claimed in the parliament that the series was fixed. The series had ended in a draw (1-1). While Sri Lanka were led by Dimuth Karunaratne, Babar Azam was leading the visitors in the series.

Chasing 342 to win the first Test at Galle, Pakistan scripted a historic victory as they rode on Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten century and outlasted Sri Lanka with four wickets to spare.

Pakistan’s win surprised many as the wicket was turning a lot and victory for the Men in Green on Day 5 looked highly unlikely ahead of the final day’s play. But Shafique handled the Sri Lankan spinners really well and came on top at the end as he scored a magnificent 160*-run knock.

But Karunaratne’s men came back strongly and won the second Test at the same venue by 246 runs to level the series 1-1.

“The executive committee of SLC decided today to invite Mr. Alex Marshall, the General Manager of the ICC anti-corruption unit to Sri Lanka to investigate recent allegations of match-fixing made by a parliamentarian regarding the recently concluded Pakistan tour,” a statement from SLC said.

The cricket governing body of Sri Lanka has accused Bandara of maligning its reputation. They also tweeted while giving an update on their decision to involve ICC into the matter.

“Sri Lanka Cricket decided to invite Mr. Alex Marshall, the General Manager of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, to Sri Lanka to investigate recent allegations of “match fixing” made by a parliamentarian regarding the recently concluded Pakistan Tour,” read their tweet.