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A major controversy has overshadowed the inaugural Lanka T10 League after Prem Thakkar, an Indian-origin co-owner of the Galle Marvels franchise, was arrested by the Sri Lanka sports police on Thursday. The arrest follows allegations of match-fixing leveled against Thakkar by players participating in the tournament.
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Fixing Allegations and Arrest
The Lanka T10 League, which began on December 11, 2024, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, was meant to bring excitement to the cricketing world with its debut season. However, the arrest of Thakkar has cast a shadow over the event.
According to reports from PTI, Thakkar allegedly approached several players, including local Sri Lankan players and an overseas cricketer from the West Indies, with match-fixing offers. The players rejected the offers and immediately reported the incident to the Anti-Fixing Unit.
Following an investigation, Thakkar was arrested on Thursday. He is set to appear before the court on Friday, where the judiciary will determine the next course of action.
Impact on Lanka T10 League
The arrest marks the first major scandal for the T10 League, which was inaugurated this year. The Sri Lankan authorities have launched a broader investigation to uncover any potential nexus linked to this incident.
The controversy threatens the reputation of the tournament, which features six teams and aims to bring a new dimension to cricket in Sri Lanka.
Past Corruption Scandals in Sri Lankan Cricket
This is not the first time Sri Lankan cricket has been tainted by corruption:
- Earlier this year, Sri Lanka spinner Praveen Jayawickrama was banned by the ICC for one year (with six months suspended) after admitting to violating the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. He failed to report an approach regarding a potentially fixed match.
Such incidents continue to challenge the integrity of cricket in Sri Lanka and highlight the importance of stricter anti-corruption measures.
What’s Next?
The arrest of Prem Thakkar is expected to spark a deeper probe into corruption in the Lanka T10 League and beyond. Authorities and tournament organizers will now face pressure to ensure the integrity of the sport and restore trust among fans and players alike.
This controversy has served as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption in cricket, emphasizing the need for vigilance and transparency in all cricketing events worldwide.
