Independent Tribunal Clears Avishka Gunawardene Of Fixing Charges; Upholds One Charge Against Nuwan Zoysa

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Gunawardene has been cleared of corruption charges by an independent anti-corruption tribunal of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Gunawardene, who was facing two charges under the Emirates Cricket Board Anti-Corruption Code, can now resume his participation in cricket.

Meanwhile, Gunwardene’s former teammate, left-arm pacer Nuwan Zoysa has also got a major relief from the Anti-Corruption Tribunal after the panel dismissed three of the four charges levied against the former Sri Lankan international.

“The detailed decision will be announced to the parties in due course and remains subject to appeal,” an ICC released said.

Avishka Gunawardene was charged with Article 2.1.4 which relates to Directly or indirectly, soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging, or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach Code Article 2.1.

The former Sri Lankan batsman was also charged with Article 2.4.5 which relates to “Failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) full details of any incident, fact, or matter that comes to the attention of a Participant that may evidence Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code by another Participant.”

Nuwan Zoysa, on the other hand, was cleared of the charges that dealt with him influencing improperly the result, progress, conduct or another aspect (s) of match but he has been convicted for “failing or refusing, without compelling justification to cooperate with any investigation carried out by the ACU in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code”

Last month, Nuwan Zoysa was handed a ban of six years by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in a separate case.

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