The Controversial domestic Match between Panadura and Kalutara, that took place in January 2017, ruined Sri Lanka Cricket Image in a big way. However, the things unfolded after the fixing scandal, we’re most unfortunate. Even after one and half year, no punishment against the main culprit of the fixing Ravin Wickramaratne has been taken, even after Country’s Sports ministry has already declared him guilty.
Now, Cricket Age has learned that Former Sri Lanka player Chamara Silva has also accused Ravin Wickramaratne, for plotting entire fixing saga.
Silva, who played 11 tests, 75 ODIs and 16 T20Is for Sri Lanka, was complaining the Panadura side in that match, however he didn’t took part in last two days play, when fixing things happened.
According to sources, now, Chamara Silva has submitted an affidavit to SLC, in which he blamed Ravin for masterminding entire fixing saga. Silva has also stated in the affidavit that Ravin told players to fix the match, and also after scandal made headlines in Sri Lanka and SLC established an inquiry, Ravin did not allow them to go for the inquiry, by telling them that he will sort out everything.
It is noteworthy that Ravin was the President of Panadura Cricket Club. Aruna De Silva and Anura Weerasinghe, both Kalutara PCC officials, were also committee members of SLC. All three are strong supporters of SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala.
More embarrassingly, No action has been taken against these key officials till date, although the domestic inquiry held by SLC imposed fines on the clubs and banned certain players. After much delay and total inaction on the part of SLC, the Minister of Sports appointed a Commission of Inquiry headed by Mr. Palitha Kumarasinghe PC to inquire and report on this ugly episode. The Commission of Inquiry found the Officials culpable of complicity in match fixing including Ravin, in the said match, but up to date there has not been any action taken against these corrupt officials.
If such shameless acts of match fixing is tolerated in domestic matches, it is mind boggling to think of what would take place in international games.
After being declared guilty by Sports ministry, even though Ravin has been completely sidelined by Sumathipala, it has learnt that he still hold a strong command within SLC. Thus, instead of fulfilling his responsibility as the Assistant Secretary of the board, he always prefers (and manage) to go for overseas tours and gets hefty allowances.
Now, Chamara Silva allegations raises serious questions over Ravin Creditability as SLC official. Right now, SLC has been mulling over his appointment as the manager of the Sri Lanka Cricket team!
Question is : how can he be team manager of the national team, especially when he has been declared main culprit of such serious offense?
Scorecard of the match between Panadura and Kalutara :
Panadura CC vs Kalutara PCC
1ST Day- Kalutara PCC 362 /8
2ND Day –Kalutara PCC 390 all out (103 oves )
2nd Day- Panadura CC 180/2
3rd Day Panadura CC 243 + 180 = 423 . Panadura lead 33 Runs
3rd Day Kalutara 2nd Innings 197 all out 25.5 overs
3rd Day Panadura need 197 to win the match
3rd Day with in 13.4 overs Panadura scored 197 and won the game.
