Cricket: SLC suspends three staffers over pitch-fixing scandal

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday (28) stated that it will temporarily suspend three of its staff members following the pitch-fixing scandal revealed by Qatar-based TV station, Al-Jazeera.

At a press conference held at the SLC headquarters on Monday (28), its Vice President, Mohan de Silva stated that the SLC had temporarily suspended Western Province Coach Jeewantha Kulatunga, District Coach Tharindu Mendis and Assistant Manager Tharanga Indika pending investigations. 

The Al-Jazeera documentary telecast on Sunday (27) clearly showed a player and a member of the ground staff allegedly discussing on fixing the condition of the pitch of the Galle International Stadium prior to Sri Lanka's second Test match against Australia in 2016.

"There were no complaints regarding the Galle pitch from the captains, umpires or the match referee during the Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka in 2016. The players did not complain, the captains’ report, umpires' report and the match referee’s report did not say anything (wrong) about the pitch. There is nothing adverse about the pitch. It is difficult to believe of any wrongdoing," de Silva stated.

In addition to Kulatunga, Mendis and Indika, current national T20 player, Dilhara Lokuhettige too was shown involving at discussions. 

However de Silva stated that SLC was not in a position to take action against Lokuhettige.

"We can't take action on Dilhara Lokuhettige because he is not an employee or he has no contract with the SLC. He currently lives in Australia, and if the ICC (International Cricket Council) make a request or seek any details regarding him, SLC is ready provide all the support," he added.

De Silva went on to say that SLC has already lodged a complaint on Sunday (27) with the Police.

"The Police have initiated a separate criminal investigation, and also have appointed a three-member panel to investigate the matter. They will issue recommendations to prevent any corruption at future matches in Sri Lanka," said de Silva.