The International Cricket Council (ICC) is carrying out investigations into three Sri Lankan cricketers on charges of match-fixing, Minister of Sports Dullas Alahapperuma said.
The Minister didn’t specify details whether these are current or former players.
He said that it is regrettable to see the Sport falling short of such discipline and character.
He pointed out that school-level cricket is the basis for national- level cricket, adding that the protection of school-level cricket will lead to Sri Lanka’s rise in the international stage.
However, a severe crisis has arisen with regard to school- level cricket in Sri Lanka, he said.
Minister Alahapperuma proposed that both the Ministries of Education and Sports, and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) must work together and formulate a long-term plan for the development of school – level cricket.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will chair a meeting with officials from the Education and Sports Ministries, SLC and school cricket authorities next week, to discuss issues faced in this regard.
There is a significant drop in the status and respect for the sport of cricket currently in the country.
Minister Alahapperuma pointed out the recent incident on the arrest of a cricketer with illegal drugs, stating that the country had high hopes for the player.
There is a fear in hosting big-matches between local schools as it almost always ends in conflicts or at the Police Station, he highlighted.
(Newswire)
