Sri Lankan Court Delivers Verdict in T20 Match-Fixing Case
A Sri Lankan court has handed down a significant verdict in a high-profile match-fixing case involving the country's domestic T20 cricket league. On Wednesday, the Colombo High Court sentenced the owner of a franchise team to a suspended prison term, marking a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka's efforts to combat corruption in sports.
Details of the Conviction and Sentencing
Bangladesh-born British national Tamim Rahman, who owns the Dambulla Thunders franchise, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to influence a player and arranging betting activities during the tournament. Following his admission of guilt, the court convicted Rahman and imposed a four-year jail sentence, which has been suspended for five years.
In addition to the suspended prison term, the court levied a substantial fine of 24 million Sri Lankan rupees, equivalent to approximately USD 80,000. This dual punishment reflects the seriousness with which Sri Lankan authorities are treating sports corruption cases.
Legal Framework and Arrest Details
The conviction was delivered under Sri Lanka's strict 2019 law specifically designed to curb corruption in sports. This legislation represents the country's strengthened commitment to maintaining integrity in athletic competitions.
Rahman's arrest occurred in 2024 after the player he allegedly approached reported the incident to authorities. This marked the first arrest of a Premier League team official since the competition's inception six years ago. Authorities detained Rahman at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai, following which he spent several weeks in custody before being released on bail.
Broader Implications and Additional Suspects
The case has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka's cricketing community and highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining sports integrity. Court officials speaking anonymously to AFP revealed that an arrest warrant has been issued for team manager Mujeeb Ur Rehman, a Pakistani national who faces similar accusations in the same case.
This development underscores the international dimensions of sports corruption, with individuals from multiple nationalities implicated in the scandal. The suspended sentence allows Rahman to avoid immediate imprisonment but places him under strict legal supervision for the next five years, during which any violation could result in the activation of his prison term.
The verdict serves as a warning to all stakeholders in Sri Lankan cricket about the serious consequences of engaging in match-fixing activities. As authorities continue their investigation, this case may prompt further scrutiny of betting practices and player approaches within the country's domestic cricket structure.
