Former Sri Lanka Spinner Senanayake Apprehended in Match-Fixing Investigation

Former Sri Lanka spin bowler Sachithra Senanayake arrested on Wednesday under Sri Lanka's anti-corruption law targeting match-fixing.

Mainul Islam

September 6, 2023

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Author:

Mainul Islam

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September 6, 2023

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Former Sri Lanka Spinner Senanayake Apprehended in Match-Fixing Investigation

Former Sri Lanka spin bowler Sachithra Senanayake arrested on Wednesday under Sri Lanka's anti-corruption law targeting match-fixing.

Cricket News

Senanayake taken into custody by a specialized police unit handling sports-related crimes, as confirmed by an AFP statement from a police spokesman.

Connection to LPL 2020

Although formal charges were pending, the arrest was linked to an incident in the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) season.

Passport Seizure

Senanayake’s passport was impounded during a prior police investigation into the allegations against him.

Allegations of Match-Fixing

Senanayake, who last played for Sri Lanka in 2016, is facing accusations of influencing two LPL players to manipulate matches in 2020.

Pioneering Prosecution

Sri Lanka police stated that Senanayake is the first player to be prosecuted under a 2019 law that deems match-fixing a criminal offense.

Potential Consequences

A conviction could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine reaching up to 100 million rupees ($309,000), or a combination of both penalties.

The Law's Inception

Former sports minister Harin Fernando introduced this stringent law following concerns that the International Cricket Council (ICC) considered Sri Lanka one of the most corrupt cricket nations.

Echoes of Concern

Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage echoed these concerns when he told parliament in 2021 that match-fixing was deeply entrenched in the country.

A Call for Integrity

Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning skipper, Arjuna Ranatunga, urged fans in 2012 to boycott matches in protest against perceived “mismanagement, corruption, and indiscipline” within the national team.
Last Updated: Sep 6, 2023
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