SLC academy coach to be suspended following fixing claims

The new governing body of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is all set to sack a fast bowling coach associated with the national cricket academy for allegedly playing a role into a possible bookie approach to national team players Kusal Janith Perera and Rangana Herath.

Rangana Herath (in picture) and Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper, had been approached by bookies.

The new governing body of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is all set to sack a fast bowling coach associated with the national cricket academy for allegedly playing a role into a possible bookie approach to national team players Kusal Janith Perera and Rangana Herath.

“I have asked for a report. The bowling coach concerned and the net bowler will have to be suspended,” SLC’s new chief Thilanga Sumathipala said at Pallekele today. Opener Perera alerted the officials about an approach made by bookies to him and Herath to underperform during a Test match against the West Indies in Galle in October.

Following the complaint the two players were summoned to the police’s Financial Crimes Division (FCID) last week. This week the captain Angelo Mathews and the team manager Jerry Woutersz are also to be interviewed by the FCID.

The FCID investigation began following a complaint lodged by the Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera. Jayasekera told reporters the bookies had approached the two players through a bowling coach (the academy coach) and a net bowler.

Sumathipala said none of the players, who have been quizzed and are to be questioned are suspects for match fixing.