Sri Lanka Cricket Axes Dambulla Thunders Over Match-Fixing, Questions Loom Over LPL's Future

Colombo, May 22: In a dramatic turn of events following the Lanka Premier League Auction 2024, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has terminated the Dambulla Thunders franchise from its flagship T20 league.

The development comes just a day after the Sri Lankan Cricket Board successfully conducted the LPL 2024 Auction in Colombo on Tuesday (May 21).

The decision follows the arrest of Tamim Rahman, the franchise's owner, on suspicion of match-fixing. Rahman, a British citizen of Bangladeshi origin, was apprehended at Bandaranaike International Airport by immigration officials acting on a court order.

An official from the Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports confirmed Rahman's arrest, and the Colombo Magistrate's Court has remanded him in custody until May 31.

"The Lanka Premier League announces the termination of the Dambulla Thunders franchise, effective immediately. This decision follows recent developments concerning the franchise's ownership and the legal issues faced by Tamim Rahman, Founder of Imperial Sports Group," stated the SLC.

The Dambulla Thunders, recently acquired by Imperial Sports Group in April, face an uncertain future as the exact charges against Rahman remain undisclosed. However, he is under investigation for match-fixing and attempting to place bets, violating Sri Lanka's stringent sports integrity laws.

"While the specifics of the charges against Mr. Rahman remain unclear, the integrity and smooth functioning of the Lanka Premier League are of utmost importance," the SLC emphasized. "This termination aims to uphold the values and reputation of the LPL, ensuring that all participants adhere to the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship."

The LPL management is working to address the fallout from this termination and ensure minimal disruption to the upcoming season, which is scheduled from July 1 to 21. "We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and professionalism and will continue to support all our teams, players, and fans during this transition," affirmed Anil Mohan, chairman of the LPL rights holder IPG group.

Rahman's arrest is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Sri Lankan sports. Recently, two Indian nationals, Yoni Patel and P Akash, were ordered to surrender their passports as they face indictment for match-fixing in the unsanctioned Legends Cricket League in Colombo. Patel, who owns a team in that league, and Akash are accused of attempting to fix matches played in Kandy's Pallekele Stadium between March 8 and 19.

Sri Lanka has taken a firm stand against match-fixing, becoming the first South Asian country to criminalize such activities in 2019. Under the law, those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines, with the legislation also targeting failures to report corrupt approaches.

Ahead of the LPL Auction, Dambulla Thunders retained/pre-signed Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thusara, Dushan Hemantha, Praveen Jayawickrama, Mustafizur Rahman (Overseas), Ibrahim Zadran (Overseas) in their squad.

The franchise went on to buy Lahiru Udara, Akila Dananjaya, Danushka Gunathilaka, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Ranesh Silva, Sohan de Livera, Hazmatullah Zazai, Karim Janat, and Asela Gunaratne among others at the auction table.

What will happen to Dambulla Thunders players?

The fate of all players - who were retained or bought at the auction - now hangs in balance as there is still no clarity if SLC will launch a new franchise or rope in new owners for the existing franchise.

Most Expensive Player at LPL 2024 Auction

The LPL auction for its fifth edition saw enthusiastic participation from 500 local and international players. Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the most expensive player in league history, securing a $120,000 contract with Colombo Strikers. Pathirana recently played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL.