BREAKING NEWS: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 Cricket refutes spot-fixing rumours - ICC World Cup 2011
The Sri Lankan cricket board furiously rubbished the charges against two of its players for their involvement in spot-fixing during their recent match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755.
According to media reports, there have been rumours that the two Sri Lankan batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera might have got out deliberately in order to change the outcome of the match.
The Sri Lanka cricket issued a statement which said, “It is with deep regret that we note that a leading television channel in a special programme, namely 'Wimasuma', has stated that Sri Lanka has lost against Pakistan due to two of our leading players not getting runs in that game.”
The reports also added that a business professional had gambled over Sri Lanka's loss in the match and placed an amount of $18,000 for the bet.
The controversy was created when Sri Lanka, who are considered as one of the strongest contenders to win the coveted trophy, failed to chase the tough target of 277 set by Pakistan. The match played in Colombo’s grand Premadasa stadium was a big disappointment for the people of the Sri Lanka.
The SLC defended their players and said that all the allegations made by the channel are "regretful".
The Sri Lankan cricket authorities also criticised the anchor of the specific channel for hosting such a baseless story, which could shattered the confidence and spirit of the Sri Lankan cricket team in the ongoing International Cricket Council World Cup 2011.
SLC stated that it would sue the channel authorities, as the reports have brought disgrace to the two finest players of the Sri Lankan team, who are source of pride for the nation.
Jayawardene scored two runs whereas Samaraweera took a single run which added to Sri Lanka’s total of 266/9. They failed to do well in that match against Pakistan, but are still hopeful to show a good performance in the upcoming matches of the mega tournament.
Manager Anura Tennekoon of the Sri Lankan team also condemned the news and denied any report by ICC or SLC regarding investigations from the alleged duo.
He said, “Knowing both Mahela and Thilan, we feel there is no necessity to investigate the matter and, as far as the ICC is concerned, they have the right to investigate but so far they have not brought anything on this.”
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