Both cricketers have denied receiving money. Ranatunga said he was never approached to fix the matches and De Silva has said that on the one occasion he was approached to underplay during a tour to India, he immediately reported it to the team management.

Following the allegations, the Sri Lankan Cricket Control Board, appointed human rights Lawyer and International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct Committee Member, Desmond Fernando to investigate and submit a report within 30 days. Board President Thilanga Sumathipala said that selectors could consider De Silva for the South African tour as no action would be taken against him until the allegations were proved.

De Silva has been dropped for several matches since early this year for his poor form. Ranatunga retired from international cricket early this year.

The 16-member team for the South African tour will be headed by Sanath Jayasuriya. The tour, from December 7 to January 24, will include a series of tests and one-day internationals.

Team:

Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu (vice captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Kumara Sangakkara, T.M.Dilshan, Romesh Kaluwitharana, M. Muralitharan, Avishka Gunawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, Nuwan Zyosa, Pramodaya Wickramasinghe, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Dilhara Fernando, Muthumudaliga Pushpakumara.