Panadura-Kalutara investigation delayed

The inquiry into a suspicious first-class match in January will take "two to three" more weeks, SLC has said.

SLC had appointed a committee to head an inquiry into a Premier League Tournament match between Kalutara Physical Culture Club and eventual Tier B winners Panadura Sports Club, when a rival team made allegations that the result of that match had been artificially engineered. Though it was hoped that committee would produce a final report on their findings within a few weeks, with the case having since become more complex, further time was required.

"The inquiry might take a little longer - maybe two or three weeks," SLC vice-president K Mathivanan said. "There are so many witnesses who have to be heard from. Also, they will be allowed to be examined by the Panadura and KCC lawyers. Then there will be natural justice. It's like a court scenario, but justice will be done."

That match had drawn suspicion primarily because of the nature of the third and final day's scoring rates. Panadura, who were still making their first-innings response to Kalutara's 390, hit 223 at a run rate of 10.34 to begin the last day, and the scoring continued at this breakneck pace. Kalutara were all out for 197 in 22.5 overs, in their second innings; Panadura then chased down the target of 165 inside 14 overs. All told, a staggering 587 runs were scored in a single day.

The result proved to be pivotal to the league's outcome, as Panadura went on to beat Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club to the Tier B title.