SLC “fails” to assist Mudgal Panel in IPL probe
November 19, 2014 10:14 pm
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) clout over the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board was so much so that the Mudgal Panel could not get bottom of the incident involving a leading Indian batsman who was in the company of a girl in Sri Lanka in 2010.
Cricket Badger reported that Nishantha Ranatunga, who was, and still is, a secretary at the time of incident was contacted but didn’t provide the necessary details. This forced Mudgal Panel to approach other competent authorities in Sri Lanka, but without success.
According to the Colombo-based sources, another key official of the board was also approached several times to provide the confidential report prepared by the then security manager (Lawrence Fernando) but was unable to gain access. Dharmadasa was not a president when this incident took place and therefore didn’t wish to comment.
According to the sources, B.B.Mishra, the Head of the Mudgal Panel’s Investigation team spoke to one key official in Sri Lanka to provide necessary assistance.
“During the investigation, I have been given to understand by a responsible source that there was a violation of ICC Code of Conduct when the Indian Team visited Sri Lanka in the year 2010 in connection with the Asia Cup matches,” Mishra wrote to the SLC board official. “The violation occured, maybe on 17/18 June, as a girl reportedly visited the room of an Indian player and remained in the room till 4.00 AM. It was informed to us that the matter was reported by Major General (retd) Fernando who was looking after the security.
“We have been given to understand that there are CCTV footage also .
“It was also alleged that the girl in question was in touch with some bookies.
“My questions are,” he continued. “1) whether the incident reported above did take place? Is it within the knowledge of the esteemed Sri lankan Board ?
“2) Whether the Srilankan authorities reported this matter to ICC ACSU ?
“3) Whether the Srilankan authorities reported the matter to Indian team manager or to the BCCI ? Is there any record of it having been brought to the notice of BCCI or any other authority ?
“4) Is a copy still available which can be provided to us?
“5) Whether the report mentioned about any bookie and whether any evidence was adduced to support the conclusion that the lady in question was in touch with any bookmakersi?
“I reqeust for an early response in the matter with due confidentiality.”