ICC gets a complaint regarding an attempt of match-fixing in LPL

Even before the commencement of the inaugural edition of the Lankan Premier League (LPL 2020), a controversy has erupted as it is reported that an attempt was made to fix the LPL matches. LPL is expected to run from November 26 to December 16 and will feature six franchises namely Colombo Kings, Dambulla Viiking, Galle Gladiators, Jaffna Stallions, and Kandy Tuskers fighting for the T20 title.

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating an alleged complaint that states that a former national cricketer approached a Lanka Premier League player to deviate the results of the game in their favour. However, both the ICC and the anti-corruption unit of the Sri Lankan cricket board have declined to make a comment or give an update regarding the matter.

“The former national player who allegedly made the approach is currently overseas,” the mass-circulating newspaper Lankadeepa said, adding that he had once been accused, but later cleared, of match-fixing charges by the ICC.

Last year, Sri Lanka had introduced a law against corruption in the sport after then-sports minister Harin Fernando had revealed that ICC considered Lanka as the world’s most corrupt cricket nation. SLC and ICC had together conducted anti-corruption programmes for players and officials and had set up a 24-hour hotline to report any “suspicious or corrupt activity.”

Colombo Kings to fight against Kandy Tuskers in the opening match
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has finally decided to host the league from November 26 with the opening match between Colombo Kings and Kandy Tuskers after postponing it three times. LPL was postponed a lot of times in the past months owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has claimed 94 lives and infected nearly 21,000 people in the Island nation.

Ahead of the tournament, the captain of Colombo, Angelo Mathews extended his gratitude to the health department and the cricket board for conducting the marquee event despite the odds.

“They all have done a great job. There are various challenges. There are health factors, and we have to be careful. We are inside a bubble, so no one can come in and go out. It is pretty safe and tests are being done every three-five days,” Mathews had said in a virtual media interaction.

“There is attention to detail because there are so many teams here. There are other challenges too because we are used to playing in front of crowds, but now we won’t have that atmosphere. They will watch us on television, they love watching us. So, we are glad to bring smiles to their faces in such a situation,” he had added.