COLOMBO, Nov 29: Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala has hit back strongly at accusations of criminal involvement.

He denied newspaper reports he was to be arrested for passport fraud, saying he would appear voluntarily in court.

“I had already gone to the CID and made statements. I am not avoiding this issue,” he said.

Sumathipala was reinstated as head of the country’s cricket board in June after an investigation into financial irregularities found no evidence.

“Some media for reasons best known to them have been speculating that I have gone into hiding,” he added. “I have not, but will go before the court next week seeking justice.”

He questioned the timing of an order from Sri Lanka’s attorney general for him to appear in court.

Sumathipala went on to “categorically deny” any involvement with underworld gang-leader Dhammika Amarasinghe, for whom he is accused procuring a passport.—PPI