Former Sri Lanka spinner Sachithra Senanayake arrested on charges of match-fixing

Sachithra Senanayake was charged of match-fixing during Lanka Premier League 2020.

Sachithra Senanayake, a former Sri Lankan off-spinner, was arrested by the Sports Corruption Investigation Unit when he surrendered this morning, September 6, 2023. He was earlier banned from travelling overseas by the court.

He will be produced before a court later in the day.

Sachithra Senanayake has been charged with trying to fix games in the 2020 edition of Lankan Premier League (LPL). He allegedly used a telephone connection from Dubai to coordinate match-fixing plans with two other cricket players. His respected cricketing career has taken a hit as a result of these claims.

Senanayake played international cricket between 2012 and 2016, representing Sri Lanka in one test match, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20Is. In particular, while bowling carrom balls, he was famous for his masterful off-spin bowling and outstanding control over line and length.

He was renowned for his exceptional precision when bowling the carrom ball. He took 25 wickets in T20Is matches and 53 in ODIs overall.

Within the domestic circuit in Sri Lanka, Senanayake has consistently performed at a high level, he has taken a total of 567 wickets in 112 first-class matches, which is a testament to his bowling abilities.

Sachithra Senanayake denies all charges

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court enforced a travel ban on Senanayake in August 2023, following an investigation into these serious allegations. The move came after the Attorney General (AG) instructed the Sports Ministry’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to initiate criminal proceedings against him.

This was done on a direction by the Attorney General’s to the SIU to frame criminal charges against the former cricketer. An anticipatory bail filed before the Colombo Magistrate by Senanayake against his arrest in 2021 was turned down.

Senanayake, who is 38-years-old, has denied the charges against him, dismissing them as unfounded and part of a deliberate campaign to spoil his reputation and that of his family.