The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently investigating allegations of corruption in Sri Lanka after a recorded conversation, presumably containing evidence of corruption, had been leaked to a local newspaper, according to a statement from the cricket board today.
“The tape was handed over to an official of the ICC Anti Corruption and Security Unit [ACSU] currently in the country covering [the Sri Lanka Premier League]. Investigations are underway in coordination with the ICC,” the statement said.
The recording was reportedly handed over to the paper and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) last week.
Both the ICC and SLC generally do not comment on ongoing investigations. However, SLC CEO Ajit Jayasekara confirmed to ESPNCricinfo earlier today that SLC was “cooperating” with the investigation.
“We are unable to give any additional information other than what has been released to the media,” Jayasekara said.
“We are cooperating with the ICC as ACSU conducts the investigation.”
Sri Lankan newspapers are yet to report on the leaked tape or the allegations.
In 2010, undercover reporters from the now defunct British tabloid News of the World secretly videotaped a bookmaker, which prompted an investigation by Scotland Yard and later led to the arrest and conviction of several prominent Pakistani cricketers for accepting large sums of money to underperform.
The ACSU though have been criticised for being unable to effectively root out corruption in the game. Last year, England captain Andre Strauss referred to the unit as a “toothless tiger”.
The ICC’s ACSU will require the help of local law enforcement officials to carry out any investigation in Sri Lanka.
© Island Cricket