ICC informs Sri Lankan President over corruption charges

Colombo:The International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has informed Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister and Sports Minister about the serious allegations of corruption in the Sri Lankan Cricket Board.

Investigations were launched a year ago against the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, on allegations of corruption. General Manager of ICC anti-corruption unit Alex Marshall said that Sri Lankan players have been informed about the issues, such as corruption and fixing before the upcoming series against England, so that they stay away from suspicious elements in the future.

''We are currently in Sri Lanka as part of our ongoing investigations into serious allegations of corruption in cricket (board) in the country. The inquiries are continuing, so it would not be appropriate to comment further, but I can confirm that we have, at their request, provided a detailed briefing to the Sri Lankan President, the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister. 

''We are receiving full support from the Competent Authority currently in place at the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) whilst elections for the SLC Board are pending,'' the ICC quoted Mr Marshall as saying.

He also said that till now, the ICC has received full support from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and the administration, in the investigation.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's chief executive Ashley de Silva  said the ACU never gives information about its investigation, because it is done quietly. 

"We all know that ICC conducts its investigation in a secret manner and was not aware of it in advance. We were not even aware of the ICC officials being in the country. We have also received information from the ICC press release," he added.(UNI)