Jayasuriya charged on two counts under ICC Anti Corruption Code
ICC hands over investigation details to Sri Lanka President and Prime Minister
Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been charged with two counts of breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption code.
In a shocking revelation, ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) general manager Alex Marshall said in a statement: “We are currently in Sri Lanka as part of our ongoing investigations into serious allegations of corruption in cricket in the country. The enquiries 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, Prime Minister and Sports Minister.”
Jayasuriya has been given 14 days, starting from Sunday, to respond to the charges levelled against him. The two counts of charges include refusal to cooperate with an Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) investigation and ■ obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information which may be relevant.
It is understood that Jayasuriya failed to hand over all his mobile phones and devices to ICC’s detectives and also refused to cooperate during a 12-month investigation. It is learnt one of the charges involve the fourth One Day International between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Hambantota in July 2017. Jayasuriya was chairman of selectors and Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka 3-1 to record their first major series win since 2001.
Last week, ICC had charged three Hong Kong players following their investigation.
The shocking revelation about Jayasuriya may shake Sri Lankan cricket. He is one of their legends who played a part in their country emerging as the world champions in 1996. After retiring in 2011, Jayasuriya had held the post of chairman of selectors twice, joined politics and is also a former Member of Parliament. Sri Lankan fans have expressed concerns over the news, hailing Jayasuriya as their hero and a player who entertained them for many years.
It is also not very clear if these investigations are also the fallout of a recent documentary on corruption in cricket. The ICC had already launched investigation into claims of corruption involving a groundsman in Sri Lanka’s Galle cricket ground.
Sri Lanka Cricket, under pressure after their team’s quick exit in the Asia Cup, had earlier stated that it has zero tolerance towards corruption and will take immediate action against any person found guilty.
Jayasuriya has been given 14 days, starting from Sunday, to respond to the charges levelled against him.