The ‘Lanka T10’ Super League Cricket Tournament is being held at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. However, the tournament was marred by controversy from the beginning when a match-fixing incident was revealed.
In connection with this, Prem Manish Thakar, an Indian national who owns the Galle Marvels team, was arrested and produced before the court. The court ordered him to be remanded until the 16th. The Sports Corruption Prevention Unit arrested the suspect and produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala on the 14th.
The Proposal to the West Indian Player
Based on information received by the Sports Corruption Prevention Investigation Unit, a swift investigation was launched. The suspect was subsequently arrested. Investigating officers told the court that investigations had revealed that a West Indian player had been approached with match-fixing proposals. They indicated that the suspect had proposed to the West Indian player to have designated bowlers perform poorly, promising USD 15,000 for this arrangement.
Additional USD 30,000 if the Request is Fulfilled
Furthermore, the suspect had promised an additional USD 30,000 if the player fulfilled his request. The arrest was made following an extensive investigation into the complaint. It was revealed that the suspect had committed an offence under the Sports Corruption Prevention Act. The court has granted time for continued investigations.
Suspect Remanded
The court emphasised that bail could be considered if the suspect was prepared to make a statement under Section 127 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The Magistrate asked the suspect whether he was ready to make a statement before the Magistrate under Section 127. However, the suspect indicated he needed time to make such a statement. Subsequently, the suspect was ordered to be remanded until the 16th.
Player Refuses to Participate in Match-Fixing
Investigations revealed that the arrested Galle Marvel’s team owner had attempted to convince the foreign player to fix matches on two occasions. It was confirmed that he had been in contact with the player even before arriving in Sri Lanka. He initially deliberately requested the player to underperform in matches. However, the player refused. The investigations revealed that the Galle Marvels owner continued to pressure the player, who remained silent but responded to each instance.
Complaint from the Player
However, the suspect didn’t give up and made a second proposal, offering to make him team captain and give him the highest position. He also requested the player to direct certain bowlers to bowl at specific times. The player rejected this proposal as well. Unable to tolerate further pressure, the player revealed the suspect’s details. The Special Police Sports Corruption Prevention Unit arrested the Galle Marvels owner as a suspect.
Other Recent Similar Incidents
At the same Pallekele Stadium, during the “Legend Cricket Trophy” tournament in 2023, another reported match-fixing pressure was reported. In that case, investigations began after Upul Tharanga complained against Indian cricket manager Amit Patel, also known as Yogi Patel. That case is still ongoing. Additionally, this year, Tameem Rahman, who held co-ownership of the Dambulla Thunders team in the Lanka Premier League, was arrested and remanded on match-fixing charges.
