Prem Thakkar, an Indian-origin owner of the Lanka T10 League franchise Galle Marvels, was arrested on Thursday by Sri Lanka’s sports police over match-fixing allegations. Thakkar’s arrest follows complaints from several players who claimed that he attempted to involve them in match-fixing activities. The players, including both local Sri Lankan and West Indian players, reportedly rejected his offers and alerted the anti-fixing unit, leading to a thorough investigation. The court will present Thakkar on Friday, where legal proceedings will decide the next steps.
The arrest comes amid the ongoing 2024 season of the Lanka T10 League, which began on December 11 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, the match-fixing scandal has marred its reputation. Thakkar’s arrest adds to the controversy surrounding the tournament, which is already facing scrutiny over potential corruption issues.
This isn’t the first time the Lanka T10 League has been under investigation for unethical practices. Earlier this year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Sri Lankan spinner Praveen Jayawickrama for breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The ICC suspended Jayawickrama for one year, with six months of the ban suspended, after he failed to report an alleged match-fixing approach. His admission of the violation has sparked further concerns over corruption in Sri Lankan cricket, with investigations continuing into possible connections and further misconduct within the Lanka T10 League.
With the latest developments, the tournament is facing increased pressure to address the ongoing concerns and restore its credibility.
