The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has remanded Prem Thakkar, the owner of the Galle Marvels team in the Lanka T10 Super League, until December 16, 2024. Thakkar, an Indian national, was arrested by Sri Lanka’s Sports Police Unit on charges related to match-fixing.
The arrest was prompted by a complaint lodged by a foreign player participating in the tournament. The player alleged that they were approached with a suspicious proposal involving match-fixing activities. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Lanka T10 Super League, which is hosting its inaugural season.
Investigators are currently delving into the details of the case to identify whether Thakkar acted alone or as part of a larger network. Sources suggest that the incident may involve international betting syndicates, a recurring challenge in cricket leagues worldwide.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a statement condemning any form of corruption in the sport and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The organization reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency and fairness in the tournament, which is seen as a promising addition to Sri Lanka’s cricketing calendar.
The Galle Marvels team, now under scrutiny, has yet to release an official statement. Meanwhile, stakeholders, including players and fans, have expressed disappointment and called for strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating corruption within cricket and underscores the importance of robust anti-corruption mechanisms, especially as Sri Lanka looks to position the Lanka T10 league as a reputable event on the international stage.
