View source for 2018 cricket pitch fixing and betting scandal

{{Update|date=May 2018}}
{{Cleanup|date=November 2020|reason=way too many loaded-words, lacking attribution}}

'''The 2018 Cricket Pitch Fixing scandal''' refers to the alleged doctoring of the pitch, a central strip of the playing field, in the home [[Test cricket|test matches]] of the [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lankan cricket team]] at the [[Galle International Stadium]], as well as during the home test matches of the [[India national cricket team|Indian cricket team]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/26/plan-fix-sri-lanka-england-test-al-jazeera-galle|title=Details of plan to fix Sri Lanka-England Test revealed by al-Jazeera|last=Martin|first=Ali|date=2018-05-26|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-30}}</ref>

== Revelation ==
Revealed by [[Al Jazeera]], a documentary claimed that the groundsmen at these matches deliberately altered the nature of the pitch in order to produce results that favored the home team. The news reports claimed that two of the four-pitch fixing offenses occurred in Galle, with the groundsmen at [[Chennai]] being accused of pitch-fixing charges after hosting the final Test Match of the series between India and England in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2018/05/match-fixers-fired-call-criminal-probe-al-jazeera-film-180528155812957.html|title=Cricket match-fixers suspended amid calls for probe|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref>

On 29 May 2018, the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC) criticized Al Jazeera for failing to share conclusive evidence of pitch-fixing before broadcasting the documentary regarding the match-fixing allegations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/al-jazeera-defends-cricket-match-fixing-film-icc-criticism-180529143808057.html|title=Al Jazeera defends cricket match-fixing film after ICC criticism|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref> Critics also speculated whether the Al Jazeera news network deliberately revealed false allegations, citing that Al Jazeera's findings may have been edited and modified before releasing its documentary film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/may/29/cricket-looks-the-loser-after-series-of-loose-allegations-from-al-jazeera|title=False allegations can match real corruption in damaging cricket {{!}} Andy Bull|last=Bull|first=Andy|date=2018-05-29|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-06-03}}</ref> However, on 26 May 2018, a shocking development revealed that the curator of Galle International Stadium, [[Tharanga Indika]], had indeed been involved in the operation, with the discovery of camera footage linking him to the scandal. Indika subsequently admitted to doctoring the pitch to manipulate match outcomes. The match-fixing issue remains under investigation by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.khaleejtimes.com/sport/cricket/icc-probes-pitch-fixing-charges-involving-lanka|title=ICC probes pitch-fixing charges involving Lanka|last=IANS|first=AFP/|website=m.khaleejtimes.com|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/pitching-up-icc-investigating-13-anti-corruption-cases-20180719-p4zsbe.html|title=Pitching up: ICC investigating 13 anti-corruption cases|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=2018-07-19|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/sport/cricket-match-fixing-icc-corruption-betting|title=As Cricket Match Fixing Rears Its Head Again, ICC Claims to Have Upped Its Game|website=The Wire|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref>

The Al Jazeera news network has continuously refused to provide the pitch-fixing related evidence to the ICC stating that the lives of journalists are at risk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/al-jazeera-meeting-icc-match-fixing-film-180601153108976.html|title=Al Jazeera: No meeting yet with ICC after match-fixing film|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/cricket/al-jazeera-may-not-part-with-tv-sting-details-with-icc-immediately/story-QGNNVcrlPJnOD7rtqMSvnJ.html|title='Lives are at risk', Al Jazeera may not share fixing details with ICC|date=2018-06-01|work=hindustantimes.com|access-date=2018-06-17|language=en}}</ref> In July 2018, Australian cricketer [[Glenn Maxwell]] was indirectly accused by Al Jazeera's documentary as a chief suspect in the possible match-fixing allegations during the third Test match held between India and Australia which happened at Ranchi, a match where Maxwell recorded his maiden test century.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.in/cricket/story/_/id/24179077/glenn-maxwell-shocked-hurt-fixing-allegations|title=Maxwell 'shocked' and 'hurt' by fixing allegations|work=ESPN|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en}}</ref> However, Maxwell denied all of the allegations leveled against him and replied that he didn't have any need to do such a thing to spoil the moment of cricket.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/glenn-maxwell-india-vs-australia-ranchi-test-spot-fixing-5273429/|title=Glenn Maxwell opens up on allegation of match-fixing in Ranchi Test|date=2018-07-24|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/glenn-maxwell-denies-match-fixing-allegations-in-ranchi-test-says-special-moment-tainted-2128466.html|title=Glenn Maxwell denies match-fixing allegations in Ranchi Test, says special moment tainted|date=2018-07-29|work=Zee News|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en}}</ref>

== Background ==
[[File:Galle Stadium from Galle Fort.jpg|thumb|300px|Galle International Cricket Stadium, where the pitch fixing is alleged to have occurred]]
The pitch tampering incident involving both India and Sri Lanka is a developing controversy in international cricket following the [[2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricketnmore.com/cricket-news/galle-pitch-curator-admits-to-altering-pitch-report-38551|title=Galle pitch curator admits to 'altering' pitch: Report on Cricketnmore.|website=Cricketnmore|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref>

Match fixing scandals in Sri Lanka have flared up in recent times, including alleged misconduct during a domestic first class cricket match between [[Panadura Cricket Club]] and [[Kalutara Physical Culture Club]] in 2017 with [[Chamara Silva]] who was the captain of the Panadura Cricket Club and [[Manoj Deshapriya]] being caught and banned by SLC for a certain period for being named in corruption allegations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/97139/sri-lanka-news-slc-suspends-players-involved-in-match-fixing-in-domestic-cricket|title=SLC suspends players involved in match fixing in domestic cricket|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en}}</ref> [[Manoj Deshapriya]], the captain of the Kalutara Physical Culture Club was also found guilty of match-fixing after the unusual scoring rate by Panadura side in a first class cricket match held in January 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20880829/slc-temporarily-lifts-panadura-kalutara-bans|title=SLC temporarily lifts Panadura, Kalutara bans|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20766185/panadura-sc-denies-wrongdoing-demands-bans-rescinded|title=Panadura SC denies wrongdoing, demands bans be rescinded|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2017-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20746174/slc-unable-find-conclusive-evidence-first-class-match-probe|title=SLC unable to find conclusive evidence in first-class match probe|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8831/scorecard/1067863/Panadura-Sports-Club-vs-Kalutara-Physical-Culture-Club--premier-league-tournament-tier-b/|title=Premier League Tournament Tier B at Kaluthara, Jan 23-25 2017 {{!}} Match Summary {{!}} ESPNCricinfo|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref>

The match-fixing probe which has raised questions about the legitimacy of test cricket results was revealed by Al Jazeera just a few days after the announcement was made by the ICC that they were scrapping the traditional method of a [[Toss (cricket)|coin toss]] in Test cricket matches to determine who would bat or bowl first. With regards to the match-fixing probe, the ICC cited that the host nation had been accused and found guilty of changing the pitch conditions to suit themselves in these longer format games.

The ICC also introduced a new rule on banning the use of smart watches and other electronic appliances on the field during play and in dressing rooms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/africa/sport/icc-ban-use-of-smart-watches-on-field-of-play|title=ICC bans use of smart watches on field of play|website=www.enca.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cricket365.com/countries/pakistan/icc-confirms-smart-watches-are-banned-during-matches/|title=ICC confirms smart watches are banned during matches|date=2018-05-25|work=Cricket365.com|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/icc-bans-smart-watches-from-field-of-play-dressing-rooms/article23993975.ece|title=ICC bans smart watches from field of play, dressing rooms|date=2018-05-25|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-05-29|others=PTI|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The ICC called a ban on smart watches to avoid possible match fixing by implementing the new rule with immediate effect during the [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 2018|test series between England and Pakistan in 2018]] barring the Pakistani players from wearing the smart watches during the first test.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1720616/6-smart-watch-ban/|title=Smart watch ban - The Express Tribune|date=2018-05-28|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/2018/05/25/13/51/pakistan-told-stop-wearing-smart-watches|title=Cricket lawmakers crack down on smart watches|website=wwos.nine.com.au|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref>

== Development ==
[[Robin Morris]], a professional cricketer from Mumbai, was suspected by the ICC of playing a major role in match fixing during Sri Lanka home Test series against both [[Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2016|Australia in 2016]] and against [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2017|India in 2017]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/england-tour-of-sri-lanka-test-pitch-doctoring-match-fixing-5191816/|title=Former Mumbai first-class cricketer caught in 'pitch fixing' sting operation, ICC launches probe|date=2018-05-26|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-05-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[Al Jazeera]] news channel allegedly discovered that the groundsman of the Galle International Stadium and [[Robin Morris]] had planned to fix the 1st test match between England and Sri Lanka held in [[Galle]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/05/25/exposed-betting-scam-match-fixers-planned-rig-england-cricket/|title=Exposed: How 'betting scam match fixers' planned to rig England cricket Test|last1=Rumsby|first1=Ben|date=2018-05-25|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2018-05-26|last2=Berry|first2=Scyld|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Robin Morris told the under cover reporters that he bribed the groundsman to monitor and alter the conditions of the pitch in order to guarantee certain outcomes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/26/plan-fix-sri-lanka-england-test-al-jazeera-galle|title=Details of plan to fix Sri Lanka-England Test revealed by al-Jazeera|last=Martin|first=Ali|date=2018-05-26|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180527/sports/foreign-curators-as-pitch-fixing-gate-opens-296100.html|title=Foreign curators as 'pitch fixing gate' opens|work=The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref> Al Jazeera's documentary ''Cricket's Match-Fixers'' has identified the groundsman and Robin Morris along with another Sri Lankan, [[Tharindu Mendis]], for planning to alter the pitch conditions.<ref name=":0" /> Al Jazeera also stated that it would telecast the documentary. The ICC has launched an investigation into the Al Jazeera's findings about the pitch tampering issue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.economynext.com/Sri_Lanka_at_centre_of_new_match_fixing_probe-3-10739.html|title=Sri Lanka at centre of new cricket match-fixing probe|website=www.economynext.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/icc-launches-corruption-probe-671971.html|title=ICC launches corruption probe|date=2018-05-27|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=2018-05-27|language=en}}</ref> The ICC has also asked for the evidence and relevant material from Al Jazeera.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.sport24.co.za/Cricket/icc-probes-pitch-fixing-charges-involving-sri-lanka-20180526|title=ICC probes pitch-fixing charges involving Sri Lanka|work=Sport|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1147757.html|title=SLC to support investigation into pitch-fixing allegations|work=Cricinfo|access-date=2018-05-27|language=en}}</ref>

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera has also claimed that two more Sri Lankans including former Sri Lankan national cricketers [[Jeevantha Kulatunga]] and [[Dilhara Lokuhettige]] were involved in a match fixing controversy during a T-20 series in the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/cricket-world-shocked-once-again-by-match-fixing-allegations/|title=Cricket world shocked once again by match-fixing allegations |date=2018-05-27|work=Sri Lanka News |access-date=2018-05-28|language=en-US}}</ref> However, in a press release on 28 May 2018, Jeevantha Kulatunga has declined the allegations made by Al Jazeera.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/191744/jeewantha-kulatunga-rejects-match-fixing-allegations|title=Jeewantha Kulatunga rejects match-fixing allegations|work=Hiru News|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en}}</ref>

The Pakistani first-class cricketer, [[Hasan Raza (cricketer, born 1982)|Hasan Raza]], who did not take part in the conversation with Robin Morris, Tharanga Indika, and Tharindu Mendis, according to the Al Jazeera documentary, has also been identified as the suspect linked to the fixing scandal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23615580/hasan-raza-former-pakistan-batsman-caught-camera-alleged-spot-fixing-sting|title=Hasan Raza caught on camera in alleged spot-fixing sting|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref> He is seen seated near Robin Morris (who he played with during his time at the Mumbai Champs team in the [[Indian Cricket League]]) in the Al Jazeera documentary. However, Hasan Raza denied the allegations made against him and replied that his name was unnecessarily dragged into the match-fixing controversy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/280518/hasan-raza-pitch-doctoriung-match-fixing-robin-morris-cricket.html|title=Hasan Raza denies role in pitch-doctoring allegations in Sri Lanka|date=2018-05-28|work=www.deccanchronicle.com|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1721030/7-hasan-raza-denies-involvement-fixing-scandal/|title=Hasan Raza denies involvement in fixing scandal - The Express Tribune|date=2018-05-28|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref>

The groundsman of the Galle International Stadium who is also the assistant manager of the stadium gave a statement to Al Jazeera that he can manage pitches in such a way that it would favour either batsmen or bowlers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/exclusive-cricket-match-fixers-caught-act-sri-lanka-180525191333678.html|title=Exclusive: Cricket match-fixers caught in the act in Sri Lanka|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref>

The Al Jazeera's Investigation Unit also revealed that Hasan Raza, Jeevantha Kulatunga, and Dilhara Lokuhettige were preparing to make money by organizing and arranging a fake tournament in the UAE solely to make a huge collection of money to fix matches in the future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/exclusive-al-jazeera-exposes-players-cashing-match-fixing-180527185836956.html|title=Exclusive: Al Jazeera exposes players cashing in on match-fixing|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref> Al Jazeera also claimed that another businessman from India, Aneel Munawar, who also has close connections with crime boss [[Dawood Ibrahim]] is assumed to have dealt with a few international cricketers so as to have them underperform on the international cricket level by giving them huge bribes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2018/05/exclusive-al-jazeera-exposes-match-fixer-mumbai-180526162256017.html|title=Exclusive: Al Jazeera exposes the match-fixer from Mumbai|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref>  Al Jazeera also released photographs which were taken in Sri Lanka's [[Cinnamon Grand Colombo]] related to Aneel Munawar, who was standing just some distance away from the former English cricketers, [[Tim Bresnan]] and [[Graeme Swann]]. Both of them were part of the England's squad at the [[2012 ICC World Twenty20]] which was held in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/match-fixer-pictured-metres-international-players-180531145616457.html|title=Match-fixer pictured metres away from international players|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-06-01}}</ref>

It was also later identified that the former Secretary of the Galle District Cricket Association, [[Halambage Premasiri]], who was shot dead in 2016 along with his son was also subsequently revealed to have connections regarding Galle pitch fixing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/halambage-premasiri-homicide-and-match-fixing/|title=Halambage Premasiri homicide and match-fixing |date=2018-05-30|work=Sri Lanka News |access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref> It was evident that Al Jazeera started investigations on pitch tampering incident just before the planned murder of [[Halambage Premasiri]], which still remains a mystery.

=== West Indies v Sri Lanka 2018 ball tampering controversy allegations targeting Sri Lankan team ===
Considering the pitch fixing allegations probed by Al Jazeera-based mainly on Sri Lanka, apparent ball-tampering allegations were made by the match officials and umpires [[Sri Lankan cricket team in the West Indies in 2018|against the Sri Lankan team during their test series against the West Indies]]. Prior to the start of Day 3 of the second test match, the Sri Lankan cricket team marched protests against umpires' decision on starting the third day's play with a new ball, thereby replacing the old ball.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/102609/ball-change-controversy-sri-lanka-windies|title=Controversy over change of ball delays start of play in St. Lucia|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=17 June 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/44508752|title=West Indies v Sri Lanka: Tourists delay play on day three of second Test amid ball-tampering row|date=2018-06-16|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 June 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref> The Sri Lankan cricket team, led by [[Dinesh Chandimal]], refused to take the field on the third day of the test match after showing his disagreement on change of the ball, causing an hour delay to the start of the day after the apparent ball-tampering allegations made by the umpires.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-in-west-indies/sri-lanka-refuse-to-take-field-in-test-ball-tampering-row/articleshow/64615864.cms|title=Sri Lanka refuse to take field in Test 'ball-tampering' row - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=17 June 2018}}</ref>

Chandimal was found to be guilty of making [[ball tampering]] incidence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23842641/sweet-v-sandpaper-why-dinesh-chandimal-tampering-different-australias |title=Sweet v sandpaper - why Chandimal's tampering is different |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref>  Video evidence indicated that on the second day's play, Chandimal was taking sweets out from his left pocket, putting them in his mouth, and applying saliva to the ball within the space of a few seconds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2018/06/20/sports/154538/dinesh-chandimal-ball-tampering-sl-captain-banned |title=Dinesh Chandimal ball-tampering: SL captain banned |work=Daily News|accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref> Two on-field umpires [[Ian Gould]], [[Aleem Dar]], television umpire [[Richard Kettleborough]], and match referee [[Javagal Srinath]] observed the incidence carefully and charged him with one Test ban and two demerit points.<ref name=chandimaltampering>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23842564/dinesh-chandimal-suspended-one-test-found-guilty-changing-ball-condition |title=Chandimal suspended for one Test; could miss four more |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref>

At the end of the match, the hearing with match referee Javagal Srinath, his team management, and other match officials took place with Chandimal and he wasn't able to recall what it was in his mouth when he polished the ball with saliva.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/44539299 |title=Dinesh Chandimal ball-tampering: Sri Lanka captain banned for one Test |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref> As a result, match referee handed Chandimal the maximum punishment available under the ICC Code of Conduct, which was two suspension points and a fine of 100% of his match fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri-lanka-captain-dinesh-chandimal-banned-for-ball-tampering-1870126 |title=Sri Lanka Captain Dinesh Chandimal Banned For Ball Tampering|publisher=NDTV Sport|accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref>

However, before finishing the match, Chandimal pleaded not guilty for the ball tampering incidence and this caused trouble at the start of Day 3 test match. The conflict started in the morning, where two umpires asked to change the ball used in the previous day with a new ball. Sri Lankan players did not accept that and refused to go into the field for the match. The incidence got worse when coach [[Chandika Hathurusinghe]] and manager [[Asanka Gurusinha]] also got involved with the match referee and umpires.<ref name=chandimaltampering /> Over the next two hours, several animated discussions took place between management and cricket officials.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23822234/how-ball-tampering-episode-unfolded-st-lucia |title=How the ball-tampering episode unfolded in St Lucia |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref>

With that, Srinath took a decision and asked Sri Lanka to take the field before 11:30 am (the scheduled start had been 9:30), or forfeit the game. Players finally agreed to play the match "under protest". The Match referee awarded West Indies five penalty runs in the match after the incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/sri-lanka-chandimal-denies-ball-tampering-icc-charge-captain-cricket-a8403816.html |title=Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal denies ball tampering after ICC charge |publisher=INDEPENDENT|accessdate=20 June 2018}}</ref>

On 11 July 2018, ICC concluded its hearing on the trio, who had pleaded guilty to a level-three spirit of cricket offense. His hearing took place before the start of the first Test match [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018|against South Africa]], and he was found guilty. He received a two-match ban, with [[Suranga Lakmal]] captaining the side in his place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24069701/chandimal-hathurusinghe-gurusinha-opt-south-africa-tests |title=Chandimal, Hathurusingha out of SA Tests |work=ESPN Cricinfo |accessdate=11 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.srilankacricket.lk/news/suranga-lakmal-to-captain-the-test-series |title=Suranga Lakmal to Captain the Test series |work=Sri Lanka Cricket |accessdate=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712091027/http://www.srilankacricket.lk/news/suranga-lakmal-to-captain-the-test-series |archive-date=12 July 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 16 July 2018, independent Judicial Commissioner handed down a further eight suspension points with maximum possible punishment for their spirit of cricket offense and suspension for four ODIs as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24110655/dinesh-chandimal-miss-four-more-games-spririt-cricket-breach |title=Chandimal to miss four more games over spirit of cricket breach |work=ESPN Cricinfo |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/44844156|title=Dinesh Chandimal: Sri Lanka captain banned for two Tests and four ODIs|date=2018-07-16|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Postponement of 2018 Lanka Premier League ===
The scheduled inaugural edition of the [[Lankan Premier League]] which was supposed to be held in August 2018 was indefinitely postponed as a result of the change in country's cricket administration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/sri-lanka-postpones-new-t20-cricket-league-20180715|title=Sri Lanka postpones new T20 cricket league|work=Sport|access-date=17 July 2018|language=en}}</ref> This was also assumed to have been postponed due to Al Jazeera's claims on match fixing probe in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2018/jul/15/sri-lanka-postpones-new-t20-cricket-league-1843654.html|title=Sri Lanka postpones new T20 cricket league|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref>

== Galle pitch fixing ==
The groundsman, Tharanga Indika, who is in-charge of the cricket ground was found guilty for helping the bookmakers to engage in match-fixing after allowing them to doctor the pitch conditions. The allegations were revealed by the [[Al Jazeera]] news network which filmed both the groundsman and the other match fixers on their targets of match-fixing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/icc-investigating-another-corruption-scandal-1857979|title=ICC Investigating Another Corruption Scandal – NDTV Sports|last=NDTVSports.com|work=NDTVSports.com|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/organised-crime-threatens-international-sports-180525195841959.html|title=Organised crime threatens all international sports|last=Eaton|first=Chris|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref>

Robin Morris was intended to have influenced in fixing allegations relating to Sri Lankan home matches for attempting pitch tampering by the ICC during [[Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2016#2nd Test|Sri Lanka's 2nd test match against Australia in Galle]] and [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2017#1st Test|Sri Lanka's 1st test match against India in Galle]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/al-jazeera-investigation-galle-curator-match-fixing-sri-lanka-india-england-australia-indika-cricket/2018-05-26|title=Galle curator caught in match-fixing sting|work=cricket.com.au|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en}}</ref> Morris was reported to have given bribes to groundsman, Tharanga Indika, who works as the groundsman at the [[Galle International Stadium]] to monitor the pitch conditions in those two home matches played by Sri Lanka against Australia in 2016 and India in 2017, and was noticed to have earned from betting after analyzing the Galle pitch conditions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/al-jazeera-reveals-two-sri-lankans-who-were-involved-in-match-fixing/|title=Al Jazeera reveals two Sri Lankan's who were involved in match-fixing |date=2018-05-26|work=Sri Lanka News |access-date=2018-05-26|language=en-US}}</ref> However, he denied all of the allegations against him, as revealed by Al Jazeera.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/interview-they-spoke-about-making-movie-says-robin-morris-2619161|title=They spoke about making movie, says Robin Morris {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=2018-05-27|work=dna|access-date=2018-05-27|language=en-US}}</ref> He later revealed that he didn't place money for betting after analyzing the Galle pitch conditions in 2016 and 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/im-not-placing-money-on-betting-robin-morris/articleshow/64335909.cms|title=I'm not placing money on betting: Robin Morris - Ahmedabad Mirror|work=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref>

On 30 May 2018, the SLC said that a new pitch was formed replacing the pitch referred by Al Jazeera in its documentary film.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Galle-Cricket-pitch-replaced-150610.html|title=Galle Cricket pitch replaced|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en}}</ref>

=== Sri Lanka v Australia 2016 ===
{{main|Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2016#2nd Test}}
Robin Morris explained that the Galle pitch was prepared in favour of the bowlers of the [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lankan cricket team]] during the 2nd test against [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] in 2016 where Sri Lanka managed to win the match by a massive margin of 229 runs. Australia lost all 20 wickets within 3 days and batting 501 balls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/claims-sri-lankas-2016-galle-victory-was-fixed/news-story/4dea74936d3826f10d642a5411777120|title=The 2016 Galle victory in Australia was fixed by Indian Robin Morris|website=www.theaustralian.com.au|language=en|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref> The groundsman said that the Galle wicket for the Australian test was prepared deliberately for the bowlers by preparing the pitch poorly without using a roller. He also ensured the bookmakers that the five-day test match would finish within three days rather than end in a draw. After knowing about the pitch conditions, the match-fixers made money by betting that the match would not end in a draw. The Australian cricket team also raised concerns over the pitch conditions at the time of the test match as they felt that the pitch didn't help the batters. Australian players including [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]], [[David Warner (cricketer)|David Warner]], and [[Nathan Lyon]] complained to the match officials about the poor pitch conditions after a thrashing loss to Sri Lanka.

=== Sri Lanka v India 2017 ===
{{main|Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2017#1st Test}}
The Galle pitch for the Indian test was said to be prepared as batsmen friendly pitch where India piled up big first innings score of over 600 in the first innings, and also piled up 240 runs for the loss of only 3 wickets to demolish Sri Lanka and win the match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/cricket/al-jazeera-report-says-galle-groundsman-fixed-tests-between-india-sri-lanka|title=Match-Fixing Returns, Al Jazeera Claims India-Sri Lanka Test Fixed|work=The Quint|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en}}</ref> It was evident that Sri Lanka was restricted under 300 runs in both the innings and lost the match by 304 runs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017-test-in-spotlight-for-pitch-fixing-5192828/|title=India vs Sri Lanka 2017 Test in spotlight for pitch-fixing|date=2018-05-27|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-05-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Sri Lanka v England 2018 ===
{{main|English cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018–19#1st Test}}
Robin Morris, along with [[Dubai]] based business person Gaurav Rajkumar, Galle groundsman Tharanga Indika, and Sri Lankan first-class cricketer [[Tharindu Mendis]] have also been investigated by the ICC for attempting another pitch tampering at Galle in [[English cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018–19#1st Test|Sri Lanka's first test match against England]] as part of the [[English cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018–19|England's series against Sri Lanka in November 2018]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/104237661/plot-to-fix-england-v-sri-lanka-cricket-test-in-galle-uncovered|title=Plot to fix England v Sri Lanka cricket test in Galle uncovered|work=Stuff|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/cricket/uk-documentary-alleges-sri-lankan-groundstaff-attempting-fix-test-against-england|title=UK documentary alleges Sri Lankan groundstaff attempting to fix Test against England|work=TVNZ|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en-NZ}}</ref> Concerns were raised by the English Cricket Board whether to play the series against Sri Lanka over the planned pitch tampering at the Galle Cricket Stadium for the first Test match or not.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/galle-stadium-curator-named-in-fixing-scandal-admits-to-doctoring-pitches-to-benefit-bookmakers-in-sting-operation-4483531.html|title=Galle Stadium curator named in fixing scandal, admits to doctoring pitches to benefit bookmakers in sting operation|website=FirstCricket|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref>

== Pitch fixing in India ==
=== India v England 2016 ===
The [[English cricket team in India in 2016–17#5th Test|5th and the final test match between England and India]] which was held in [[Chennai]] with India winning the match by an innings and 75 runs has been accused by Al Jazeera as the findings prove that the certain sessions of the test match may have been fixed by bookmakers. India posted a mammoth total of 759/7 with [[Karun Nair]] scoring a triple century in the 2nd innings of the match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/cricket/karun-nair-india-england-australia-sri-lanka-test-match-fixing|title=Test in Which Karun Nair Scored 303* Was Fixed: Al Jazeera Sting|work=The Quint|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en}}</ref> The English cricket coach, [[Trevor Bayliss]], denied Al Jazeera's allegations. He stated that the allegations are outrageous and he knew that such a documentary would be showcased in future.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/11387150/trevor-bayliss-says-match-fixing-claims-from-india-v-england-in-chennai-are-outrageous|title=Trevor Bayliss says match-fixing claims from India v England in Chennai are outrageous|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/27/chenna-spot-fixing-claim-outrageous-root-bayliss-al-jazeera|title=Chennai spot-fixing allegation is outrageous, say England's Bayliss and Root|last=Martin|first=Ali|date=2018-05-27|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref> English skipper [[Joe Root]] also criticized and branded the match-fixing allegations against India in 2016 as ridiculous.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://battingwithbimal.com/2018/05/28/joe-root-bayliss-fixing-ridiculous/|title=Joe Root, Trevor Bayliss brand fixing claims as 'ridiculous' and 'outrageous'|date=2018-05-28|work=Batting with Bimal|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Response ==

=== Sri Lanka Cricket ===
In a media release on 26 May 2018,  [[Sri Lanka Cricket]]  (SLC) announced that it would cooperate with any kind of investigation undertaken by the ICC following the allegations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.srilankacricket.lk/news/sri-lanka-cricket-statement-on-the-latest-match-fixing-allegations|title=Sri Lanka Cricket statement on the latest match fixing allegations {{!}} Sri Lanka Cricket|website=www.srilankacricket.lk|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44264844|title=Sri Lanka Cricket back match-fixing investigation ahead of Al Jazeera documentary|date=2018-05-26|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri-lanka-cricket-offers-support-to-iccs-probe-on-pitch-fixing-1858103|title=Sri Lanka Cricket Offers Support To ICC's Probe On Pitch-Fixing – NDTV Sports|last=NDTVSports.com|work=NDTVSports.com|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_18A/May26_1527359216CH.php|title=Sri Lanka : Sri Lanka Cricket to support ICC match fixing probe|last=Lanka|first=Gamini Gunaratna, Sri Lanka News Paper by LankaPage.com (LLC)- Latest Hot News from Sri|website=www.colombopage.com|access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref> The current President of the Sri Lanka Cricket, [[Thilanga Sumathipala]], announced that independent groundsmen would, with immediate effect, be appointed in the future  to supervise ground preparation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1043720/cricket-foreign-curators-as-pitch-fixing-gate-opens|title=Sunday Times - Cricket: Foreign curators as 'pitch fixing gate' opens|website=www.sundaytimes.lk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref> [[Sri Lanka Cricket]] suspended Tharindu Mendis and Tharanga Indika with immediate effect,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nation.com.pk/28-May-2018/sri-lanka-cricket-suspends-two-caught-in-pitch-fixing-sting|title=Sri Lanka Cricket suspends two caught in pitch-fixing sting|date=2018-05-28|work=The Nation|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricketage.in/2018/05/26/who-are-galle-match-fixing-accused-tharanga-indika-and-tharindu-mendis/|title=Who Are Galle Match Fixing Accused Tharanga Indika And Tharindu Mendis? – Cricket Age|website=www.cricketage.in|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://m.wisdenindia.com/full-story.php?category=News&id=299781|title=Sri Lanka Cricket have suspended with immediate effect Tharanga Indika - Wisden India|date=2018-05-27|work=wisdenindia|access-date=2018-05-30|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and reported the case to the [[Criminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)|Criminal Investigation Department]] of Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/sports/191718/slc-to-complain-cid-on-fixing-allegations|title=SLC to complain to CID on 'fixing' allegations|work=Hiru News|access-date=2018-05-28|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/sri-lanka-cricket-officials-call-probe-match-fixing-180528182029066.html|title=Sri Lanka cricket officials call for probe into match-fixing|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref>

In a press meet, the SLC vice-president Mohan de Silva commented that he and the SLC were finding it difficult to believe any of the allegations mounted by Al Jazeera on the Galle fixing scandal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/322713-sri-lanka-says-pitch-fixing-claims-difficult-to-believe|title=Sri Lanka says pitch-fixing claims 'difficult to believe'|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref>

The SLC also refuted some of the allegations made by Al Jazeera, claiming that it is not a strange thing to prepare a turning bouncy track in Galle for test matches. The SLC defended Al Jazeera's claims on preparing a spin-friendly turning pitch to favour the spin bowlers during the 2016 Galle test match between Sri Lanka and Australia where Australia lost 18 out of the 20 wickets to Sri Lankan spinners in the Galle test.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.in/cricket/story/_/id/23630578/a-turning-pitch-galle-normal-thing-slc|title=A turning pitch at Galle is a normal thing - SLC|work=ESPN|access-date=2018-05-30}}</ref> The SLC also reacted negatively to the documentary's claims on pointing out the involvement of the Galle groundsman, stating that the person didn't have any authoritative powers to alter the conditions of the pitch.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23622097/allegedly-corrupt-pitch-curator-not-curator-says-slc|title=Allegedly corrupt pitch curator is not a curator, says SLC|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2018-05-30}}</ref>

The SLC later revealed that the future test matches scheduled against England and [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018|South African cricket team]] at the Galle cricket stadium in 2018 would be shifted to other cricket grounds following the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/102307/galle-could-lose-south-africa-england-test-matches-sri-lanka-cricket-fixing-al-jazeera-investigations|title=Galle could lose South Africa, England Test matches - Cricbuzz|website=Cricbuzz|access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/galle-in-danger-of-losing-south-africa-england-test-matches/|title=Galle in Danger of Losing South Africa, England Test matches|date=2018-05-31|work=cricketaddictor|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref> However, SLC planned not to shift the matches from Galle due to the unavailability of other cricket grounds to host test matches.

During the renovations, another problem emerged that threatened to stop the construction.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/sports/195444/future-of-galle-intl-cricket-stadium-uncertain|title=Future of Galle Intl. Cricket Stadium uncertain !|work=Hiru News|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en}}</ref> One of the new buildings being constructed blocked the view of the adjacent fort, which is a [[UNESCO world heritage site]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/slvind/content/story/312867.html|title=Reconstruction of Galle stadium to continue|work=Cricinfo|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en}}</ref> The Galle Heritage Foundation and some other organisations expressed concern over this, pointing out that this may result in the fort being removed from the UNESCO world heritage sites.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44911225|title=Galle cricket stadium may be demolished|date=2018-07-21|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/news/sri-lankas-galle-stadium-faces-axe-over-dutch-fort/articleshow/65069836.cms|title=Sri Lanka's Galle stadium faces axe over Dutch Fort - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref> This issue was later resolved and the construction re-continued after some time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.sportskeeda.com/cricket/galle-the-picturesque-ground-of-sri-lanka|title=The luckiest ground for Sri Lanka has gone through many issues|date=2018-07-26|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref>

==== Postponement of SLC Elections ====
The corruption allegations revolving around the SLC Board and the breakout of the pitch fixing scandal has ultimately led a stay order against conducting the SLC Board elections, scheduled to be held on 31 May 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/injunction-issued-to-prevent-sri-lanka-cricket-elections-from-being-held/|title=Injunction issued to prevent Sri Lanka Cricket elections from being held |date=2018-05-30|work=Sri Lanka News |access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/102306/court-stays-sri-lanka-cricket-elections|title=Court stays Sri Lanka Cricket elections - Cricbuzz|website=Cricbuzz|access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref> The Court of Appeal issued a stay order against holding elections for the SLC until 14 June after a petition filed by Arjuna Ranatunga's younger brother, [[Nishantha Ranatunga]], against [[Thilanga Sumathipala]] from contesting in the elections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2018/05/30/court-of-appeal-issues-stay-order-against-sri-lanka-cricket-polls/|title=Court of Appeal issues stay order against Sri Lanka Cricket polls {{!}} The Sunday Leader|website=www.thesundayleader.lk|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/news/court-halts-sri-lanka-cricket-vote-as-crisis-deepens/articleshow/64387044.cms|title=Court halts Sri Lanka cricket vote as crisis deepens - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23650201/slc-elections-postponed,-again|title=SLC elections postponed, again|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2018-05-31}}</ref>

Former Sri Lankan world cup winning captain, [[Arjuna Ranatunga]], also condemned and blamed the corruption allegations linking SLC Board and the president of the Board, Thilanga Sumathipala, while criticising the ICC's anti-corruption investigation unit for not taking proper actions against corruption allegations after referring to Al Jazeera's findings on alleged spot-fixing row.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/corruption-in-sri-lanka-cricket-goes-right-to-the-top-says-arjuna-ranatunga-5197477/|title=Corruption in Sri Lanka cricket goes right to the top, says Arjuna Ranatunga|date=2018-05-30|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://m.gulf-times.com/story/594519/Cricket-corruption-goes-right-to-the-top-says-Sri-|title=Cricket corruption 'goes right to the top', says Sri Lanka great|date=2018-05-30|work=Gulf-Times|access-date=2018-05-31|language=ar}}</ref>

Prior to the scheduled SLC elections, the actor and politician, [[Ranjan Ramanayake]], criticized the SLC elections as illegal and called Thilanga Sumathipala as a well known bookmaker.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/05/sri-lanka-cricket-election-is-illegal-ranjan-ramanayaka/|title=Sri Lanka Cricket election is "illegal" - Ranjan Ramanayaka |date=2018-05-25|work=Sri Lanka News |access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Sri Lankan government ===
The [[Government of Sri Lanka|Sri Lankan government]] also requested SLC to inquire into the pitch fixing probe which has damaged the reputation of the history of cricket in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri-lankan-government-asks-cricket-board-to-launch-criminal-investigation-into-fixing-allegations-1858841|title=Sri Lankan Government Asks Cricket Board To Launch Criminal Investigation Into Fixing Allegations – NDTV Sports|last=NDTVSports.com|work=NDTVSports.com|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref> The newly appointed Sri Lankan sports minister, [[Faiszer Musthapha]], said that he watched the Al Jazeera documentary and told the reporters that he wrote a letter to the SLC on addressing the issue to the CID of Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailysports.lk/al-jazeera-match-fixing-scandal/|title=Al Jazeera exposes ugly match-fixing scandal: How will Sri Lanka react? - Daily Sports|website=dailysports.lk|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529204250/https://dailysports.lk/al-jazeera-match-fixing-scandal/|archive-date=2018-05-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Board of Control for Cricket in India ===
The [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) stated that it would take necessary actions against Robin Morris who is accused as the main suspect of the match fixing allegations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/robin-morris-former-indian-first-class-cricketer-in-the-eye-of-match-fixing-storm/story-3BWoay3iTbqP374LnkdLUI.html|title=Robin Morris: Former Indian first class cricketer in the eye of match-fixing storm|date=2018-05-27|work=www.hindustantimes.com|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref> The BCCI announced that they will take legal actions against him only if he is found guilty in the ongoing investigations conducted by the ICC on corruption charges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/bcci-to-wait-for-iccs-findings-before-acting-against-robin-morris-in-pitch-fixing-scandal-4484427.html|title=BCCI to wait for ICC's findings before acting against Robin Morris in pitch-fixing scandal- Firstcricket News, Firstpost|website=FirstCricket|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sportscafe.in/articles/cricket/2018/may/27/bcci-to-take-action-against-former-cricketer-robin-morris-if-found-guilty-by-icc|title=BCCI to take action against former cricketer Robin Morris if found guilty by ICC|date=2018-05-27|work=SportsCafe.in|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2018/05/28/Spot-fixing-row-BCCI-anti-corruption-unit-stumped-by-claims-of-Morris-Munawar.html|title=Spot-fixing row: BCCI's anti-corruption unit stumped by claims of Morris, Munawar|work=The Week|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref>

=== Pakistan Cricket Board ===
The [[Pakistan Cricket Board]] (PCB) has commenced investigations on the influence of cricketer [[Hasan Raza (cricketer, born 1982)|Hasan Raza]] over the alleged betting scandal and told that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on him if he is found guilty of being involved in corruption allegations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/pcb-initiates-inquiry-against-hasan-raza-for-appearance-in-fixing-video-5193529/|title=PCB initiates an inquiry against Hasan Raza for appearance in fixing video|date=2018-05-27|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref> PCB contacted Hasan Raza and had been reviewing reports whether the disgraced cricketer took part in the spot-fixing allegations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/28-05-2018/pcbs-anti-corruption-unit-contacts-hasan-raza-in-light-of-allegations|title=PCB's anti-corruption unit contacts Hasan Raza|website=www.radio.gov.pk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref> The PCB banned Hasan Raza to take part in the [[2018–19 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/278821/pakistan-cricketer-sidelined-from-quaid-e-azam-trophy/|title=Pakistan cricketer sidelined from Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - Daily Times|date=2018-08-06|work=Daily Times|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.crictracker.com/hasan-raza-excluded-quaid-e-azam-trophy-spot-fixing-allegation/|title=Hasan Raza excluded from Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after spot fixing allegation - CricTracker|date=2018-08-05|work=CricTracker|access-date=2018-08-06|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Cricket Australia ===
Following the release of Al Jazeera's documentary, the CEO of the [[Cricket Australia]], [[James Sutherland (cricket administrator)|James Sutherland]] stated that he is not aware of any credible evidence linking the Australian cricket players in connection to the suspected match-fixing allegations in the fourth and the final test match between India and Australia in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/28/no-credible-evidence-to-corruption-claims-says-cricket-australia|title=Fixing allegations are 'unsubstantiated', says Australia captain Tim Paine|last=Press|first=Australian Associated|date=2018-05-28|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref>

The interim Australian test captain, [[Tim Paine]], uttered that he is confident of the current situation of the Australian cricket team and responded that none of the Australian players would have been involved in such a match-fixing controversy after suffering from a major [[2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal|Australian ball-tampering scandal]] in March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2018/05/28/tim-paine-joins-joe-root-dismissing-spot-fixing-allegations/|title=Tim Paine joins Joe Root in dismissing spot-fixing allegations: 'I'm really confident none of our players are involved'|last=Sport|first=Telegraph|date=2018-05-28|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

Despite Cricket Australia denying any wrongdoing by its team, Australian all-rounder [[Glenn Maxwell]] was reported by Al Jazeera to have been possibly involved in a match-fixing affair without mentioning his name directly in its documentary film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/glenn-maxwell-i-was-shocked-and-hurt-to-be-implicated-in-al-jazeera-matchfixing-documentary/news-story/4f230fd3083c4de6cccba38d2adad5da|title=Al Jazeera cricket match-fixing, Glenn Maxwell reaction, Australia v India Test 2017|date=2018-07-24|website=Fox Sports|language=en-AU|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref> These accusations were, however, refused by the cricketer himself, and both Cricket Australia and Maxwell went on to say that it was just an act to target him unnecessarily and an attempt to spoil his moment after scoring his first test century against India in the Ranchi test, a match which was suspected by Al Jazeera in its documentary.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/glenn-maxwell-opens-up-on-match-fixing-allegations/news-story/189f54bbbf4e053a3ff7074cf66bffba|title=Maxi shocked by 'ridiculous' accusation|work=NewsComAu|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/australia-batsman-glenn-maxwell-claims-he-reported-certain-untoward-things-during-ipl-to-anti-corruption-officials-4808431.html|title=Australia batsman Glenn Maxwell claims he reported 'certain untoward things' during IPL to Anti-Corruption Officials|website=FirstCricket|language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-06}}</ref>

=== England and Wales Cricket Board ===
The [[England and Wales Cricket Board]] (ECB) denied the match-fixing allegations reported by Al Jazeera during the final test match of England's test tour in India which was held in Chennai. Former English captain, [[Michael Atherton]], claimed that the allegations made by Al-Jazeera regarding the Australian and English cricketers are ridiculous.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-reacts-to-al-jazeera-match-fixing-sting|title='Ridiculous': Cricket World Reacts to Al Jazeera's Fixing Sting|work=The Quint|access-date=2018-05-29|language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Betting controversies in cricket]]
* [[Al Jazeera controversies and criticism]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{2018 in Sri Lanka}}
{{Sports Corruption Scandals}}

{{#seo:
|keywords=2018 in Australian cricket, 2018 in English cricket, 2018 in Indian cricket, 2018 in Sri Lankan cricket, Cricket controversies, History of Galle, Sports betting scandals
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[[Category:2018 in Australian cricket]]
[[Category:2018 in English cricket]]
[[Category:2018 in Indian cricket]]
[[Category:2018 in Sri Lankan cricket]]
[[Category:Cricket controversies]]
[[Category:History of Galle]]
[[Category:Sports betting scandals]]