Sri Lanka Cricket launches full investigation into Bloomfield’s controversial decision to declare their second innings, handing Moors a soft target amid suspicions of foul play.
Sri Lanka Cricket has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine whether Bloomfield’s decision to declare their second innings on the final day of their three-day inter-club match against Moors, thereby handing the opposition a modest target of 147 runs, constituted an act of deliberate match manipulation. The incident has sparked widespread debate within cricketing circles.
The match, played at the Colombo Cricket Club grounds, saw Moors secure a comfortable four wicket victory. The controversy arose when Bloomfield declared their second innings at 239 for 6, setting Moors a target of 147 runs well ahead of the scheduled close of play. What raised further suspicion was the timing of the declaration, which came with batsman Janith Liyanage unbeaten on 83, just 17 runs short of a well deserved century, while Lahiru Madusanka remained undefeated on 19. Cricket analysts have noted that such an abrupt decision, made with a batsman in sight of a personal milestone, is highly unusual and contrary to standard cricketing conventions.
The investigation is being conducted under the leadership of Nalin Aponsu, a member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Tournament Organizing Committee. The panel includes Kokila Sibeera, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Anti Corruption Unit; Chintaka Edirimanna, Head of National Cricket Operations; Suresh Bulankulame, Senior Manager of Cricket Administration; Kasun Fernando, Secretary of the Tournament Organizing Committee; along with committee members Dilan Polonnowita and Malan Pranandupulle.
As part of the inquiry, authorities have recorded statements from several key individuals connected to Bloomfield, including club captain Nipun Karunanayake, coach Tharanga Dhammika, club secretary Mahesh Samarawickrama, and manager Upali Senarathna. Additionally, batsmen Janith Liyanage and Lahiru Madusanka, who were at the crease when the declaration was made, have also been summoned to provide their accounts.
During the recording of evidence, it has emerged that the decision to declare was not a collective team decision but was taken unilaterally by the captain. This revelation has added further weight to the investigation.
In his statement, Bloomfield captain Nipun Karunanayake has reportedly defended his actions, explaining that the decision was made with the objective of securing victory and finishing atop the Super Eight standings. He argued that in cricket, wins and losses are a normal part of the game, and that making tactical decisions during a match to gain advantage falls within the captain’s responsibilities. However, investigators have noted that the decision ultimately benefited the opposing team, raising questions about its soundness.
A Bloomfield spokesperson, when contacted for comment, indicated that the management had previously discussed setting a target exceeding 170 runs, and that the coach was properly informed before the captain took the decision, with no objections raised. The spokesperson added that there is considerable anticipation regarding the findings of the investigation once the report is submitted to the Sri Lanka Cricket Executive Committee.
Reports indicate that statements have also been recorded from Moors captain Ramesh Mendis, manager Navroz, and head coach Gihan Rupasinghe, as well as the match officials including umpires Deepal Gunawardhana, Damith Sanjeewa, Keerthi Bandara, and match referee Janaka Fernando.
The match in question, which has now become the subject of intense scrutiny, saw Bloomfield win the toss and elect to bat first. The scorecard is as follows:
Bloomfield first innings: all out for 229 in 72 overs. Ron Chandragupta 16, Asitha Wanninayake 36, Janith Liyanage 32, Tharindu Harshana 59, Jeffrey Vandersay 63. Chanuka Dilshan 4 for 67, Imthiyas Slaza 2 for 42.
Moors first innings: all out for 322 in 86 overs. Sohan de Livera 43, Shehan Fernando 32, Ramesh Mendis 96, Milan Rathnayake 75. Devindu Thilakaratne 3 for 69, Janith Liyanage 4 for 44.
Bloomfield second innings: declared at 239 for 6 in 53 overs. Ron Chandragupta 71, Kasun Abeyrathne 21, Janith Liyanage unbeaten on 83, Lahiru Madusanka unbeaten on 19. Imthiyas Slaza 2 for 33, Ramesh Mendis 4 for 85.
Moors second innings: 152 for 6 in 35.2 overs. Janishka Perera 20, Sadeera Samarawickrama 34, Sohan de Livera 26, Ramesh Mendis unbeaten on 25, Milan Rathnayake unbeaten on 18. Devindu Thilakaratne 2 for 35, Ravindu Fernando 3 for 72.
