‘Suspicious individuals’ prompt tightening of anti-corruption measures at SLC T20

A group of foreign nationals were ejected from an ongoing SLC Domestic T20 League fixture, Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed, after “suspicious individuals” were reported to SLC’s Anti-Corruption Unit. Though no approaches are believed to have been made to players, SLC have since taken steps to tighten anti-corruption measures at both match venues and hotels.

“Sri Lanka Cricket has also notified the team managers and the players taking part in the tournament to inform SLC immediately of any approach by those suspicious individuals,” added an SLC release.

“In the meantime, the Anti-Corruption Unit of the SLC has already taken steps to refresh the players on the Anti-Corruption Code of Sri Lanka Cricket.’’

While SLC were unable to confirm to Daily FT the exact numbers or nationalities of the individuals in question, it is understood that they were from the subcontinent. The suspicious use of mobile phones is what is believed to have led the tournament director flagging the individuals to SLC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, who then asked police to eject those under suspicion.

“There were a few, we think Indian nationals, at the ground who had been using their mobiles in a suspicious manner. Immediately, we brought them to the notice of the police, who proceeded to eject them from the stadium,” said SLC CEO Ashley De Silva.

While it is unclear what exactly constitutes using mobiles “in a suspicious manner”, it is understood that officials have been told to keep a look out for excessive use of mobiles, while De Silva noted that officials are particularly vigilant in the case of foreign nationals.

“When there are foreign – South Asian – spectators at the matches, you’re always a bit more suspicious,” he explained.  “And during domestic matches, when matches are not being broadcasted terrestrially, we’re especially cautious. We don’t know for sure if they were match-fixers. We were only suspicious, and we didn’t want to take any chances.”

Matches are being broadcast on Dialog Television as well as YouTube, the latter of which makes the likelihood of match-fixing far more viable as it offers a global audience.

The SLC T20 tournament sees four teams, representing Galle, Colombo, Dambulla and Kandy, taking part, and is set to conclude on 9 September in Colombo.