The Anti corruption unit of International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday officially launched an inquiry against vice president of Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) Ravin Wickramaratne over his alleged involvement in a domestic match between Two clubs Panadura SC and Kalutara PC, Cricket Age reliably learns. Ravin Wickramaratne was the assistant secretary of the Panadura, when the alleged match fixing scandal reported.
Few months ago, Sri Lanka’s legendary World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga had lodged a complaint against Ravin Wickramaratne’s holding a top position at SLC despite the fact that his name has been clearly mentioned in the report.
Later, Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry also wrote to ICC Anti-corruption unit to request for an investigation into the matter.
The controversial tier ‘B’ tournament match between Panadura Sports Club and Kalutara Physical Culture Club was played on January 23, 24 and 25 at Surrey Grounds, Maggona in 2017 and sparked an investigation after 24 wickets fell for 603 runs in just 59 overs on a rain-hit final day.
In contrast, the first and the second days witnessed tallies of 362 for 8 (3.85 runs per over) and 207 for 4 (3.83 runs per over) respectively.
Later, a committee, appointed by SLC, punished the players and the clubs in September last year. However, the players appealed to the Ministry of Sports and the ministry’s appointed appeal committee started a fresh probe into this matter. The appeal committee found that the players were not given an opportunity to show cause against the charges and not given an opportunity to participate in the inquiry, thus breaching the rules of natural justice.
The findings of that appeal committee inquiry have made nine special recommendations to SLC, including action against Ravin Wickramaratne.
However, as it is a norm with SLC, the recommendation of the appeal committee were never implemented, that allowed Ravin Wickramaratne to return to SLC as vice president. The most shameful fact is that even though he has been alleged for match fixing in a domestic match, Ravin, in Shammi Silva led administration, has been overseeing international cricket!
