Sri Lanka Cricket denies reports of “deliberately underperforming” against South Africa

In an official statement released by Sri Lankan cricket, the board has vehemently defused all allegations and reports by certain media houses, who had accused the Sri Lankan side of under-performing deliberately against South Africa in the T20 series. Speculations started after some publications accused two unnamed cricketers in Sri Lanka of underperforming deliberately. Although […]
 
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Sri Lanka Cricket denies reports of “deliberately underperforming” against South Africa

In an official statement released by Sri Lankan cricket, the board has vehemently defused all allegations and reports by certain media houses, who had accused the Sri Lankan side of under-performing deliberately against South Africa in the T20 series. Speculations started after some publications accused two unnamed cricketers in Sri Lanka of underperforming deliberately.

Although certain publications had specifically denied reports of match-fixing or spot-fixing, they stated clearly that their accusation was deliberate underperformance. Nation IK reported that at least two of the regular Sri Lanka players did not play to their full potential or deliberately underperformed, which they referred to as, “A highly questionable act which had a direct influence on the final outcome of the South Africa T20I series.”

The Morning Sports has also quoted a member of the coaching staff, stating that there was a warning given to those two unnamed cricketers for not showing full commitment.

Sri Lanka, who had won the ODI series against South Africa to kick off the tour, had lost the T20I series 3-0, the last of those three games being a massive 10-wicket for the Proteas. Sri Lanka will begin their T20 World Cup campaign through the qualifying stages, where they are placed alongside Ireland, Namibia and Netherlands in Group A.

Here’s what Sri Lanka Cricket’s official media release says

Sri Lanka Cricket vehemently denies allegations leveled by certain media reports, which cited that some of the players in the Sri Lanka National team, who played in the T20i series against South Africa, did not fully commit themselves or deliberately underperformed on the field.

Sri Lanka Cricket denies reports of “deliberately underperforming” against South Africa
Sri Lanka Cricket denies reports of “deliberately underperforming” against South Africa

Quinton de Kock top scored for South Africa with 153 runs in the T20 series.

Sri Lanka Cricket has not received such a complaint from the ‘Team Management’ against any player of the National squad.

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform you that it was the same group of players who played in the ODI series which Sri Lanka won against South Africa.

Sri Lanka not only won the ODI series vs South Africa 2 – 1 but also gained crucial points and climbed up in the rankings of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.

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It is understood and acknowledged by the fans that the Sri Lanka National Team, since the recent past is, progressing forward by winning important contests and heading in the right direction. Therefore, Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to request from the respective news organizations, which published the false and fabricated news item to follow ethical journalism practices, as such, false reporting will destabilize and scuttle the National Team’s preparations ahead of the crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Such false reporting will also mentally affect the players, who are showing commitment and desire to count their presence in the team, as witnessed in the recent competitions, Sri Lanka played.