Dilshan under ICC anti-corruption scanner: English newspaper
It has been reported by English newspaper, Daily Mail, that Sri Lankan opening batsman, Tillakaratne Dilshan could be one of the cricketers who is being investigated by the International Cricket Council for his alleged links with an illegal bookie. According to the newspaper, the Sri Lankan cricket board had named the player to the ICC’s Anti Corruption and Security Unit after Dilshan had been allegedly spotted with the bookmaker in a club.
The newspaper has also said that the report was made by the Sri Lankan team manager of that time. It is said that the manager did so after captain Kumar Sangakkara spoke to the manager about Dilshan’s presence with the illegal bookie. This issue dates back to the 2009 edition of the World T20, that was played in England. Sri Lanka had reached the final of the tournament, before going down to Pakistan.
It is not yet apparent whether Dilshan had done anything wrong in the incident. It could well be a case of the Lankan board following the ICC rules to the tee. According to the ICC protocols, the team is expected to report anything suspicious to the team management, who has to pass on the information to the ICC.
However, when asked about the incident by Indian website, CricketNext.com, Lankan captain Sangakkara said that he had not been involved in any reporting. Sangakkara went to the extent of saying that not only he, but also the Lankan board hadn’t reported any particular cricketer.
The captain also added that he had met Dilshan after the report in the newspapers about Dilshan’s involvement, but hadn’t had a chance to talk with him. Sangakkara also denied that there was anything suspicious that had happened during the Indian Premier League.
Sangakkara, when asked whether he was contemplating any action against the newspaper for naming him, said that there was no need of doing that. He also showed ignorance when asked about how the reports came into being in the first place. Sangakkara said, “I don't know, I have had no reason to suspect anything. The ICC has always encouraged players to report any suspicious behaviour. Whether it is a direct approach, off-hand conversation or a photo with someone. The ICC should continue to encourage players. Media backlash or any other backlash should not be given much importance.
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