England skeptical for their tour to Sri Lanka after revelation of alleged pitch tampering

05/26/2018

England was slated to tour Sri Lanka in October 2018, but after the shocking revelation of Sri Lankan groundsmen allegedly involved in pitch tampering, the tour is in doubt. ICC has already opened the investigation regarding the matter and ECB have mentioned that they would endorse ICC’s decision.

In the latest revelation, it has been discovered that Sri Lankan ground Galle has been the victim of the pitch tampering by the groundsmen, which has influenced the results in several Test matches. After the incident was reported by Daily Telegraph on May 26, it has put the England tour of Sri Lanka in a fix and has sent shockwaves to the whole world cricket.

The documentary titled "Cricket's match-fixers", which would be aired on Al Jazeera on Sunday, revealed an undercover journalist who posed as a businessman keen on being involved in match-fixing, in a conversation with ground officials of the Galle International Cricket Stadium. There was a former and a current player too, involved in the discussion.

The documentary has been made through hidden cameras and showed how the fix was arranged and how the pitch was prepared unlawfully. People allegedly involved in the match0-fixing include - Robin Morris, a former professional cricketer from Mumbai, Dubai-based Indian businessman Gaurav Rajkumar, Tharanga Indika, the Galle stadium assistant manager, and Tharindu Mendis, a Sri Lankan first-class player.

ICC has decided to take the matter into its own hands and has started an investigation on the same to examine the matter deeply. Alex Marshall, head of the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit said as quoted by Cricbuzz, "We will take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make very seriously."

ECB have also been aware of the matter and have kept a close eye on the proceedings of the case. They have maintained their position that they would endorse ICC’s investigation and decision on the matter.

"ECB are aware of the planned Al Jazeera documentary, though not the full content. We endorse the ICC's position and fully support their work and investigations," ECB spokesman said.

The shocking revelation also involves the previous matches that were played at the ground. The Al Jazeera’s investigation allegedly revealed that the first Test between India and the hosts last July had been played on a 'doctored' surface in Galle to favor the batsmen. It was also reported that Australia vs Sri Lanka match, where Australia could not get past 85 in both innings, was also played on the doctored pitch.

The fixers also claimed that the groundsman was paid $37,000 to doctor a Test and that no money was taken upfront, but their involvement meant 30 percent of the eventual winning.

England skeptical for their tour to Sri Lanka after revelation of alleged pitch tampering

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