Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sachitra Senanayake arrested for alleged match-fixing

Sachithra Senanayake (Source-Twitter)

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sachithra Senanayake's recent arrest on match-fixing allegations has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Sports Corruption Investigation Unit apprehended him in the wee hours of the day, following a court order banning him from traveling overseas three weeks ago.

Senanayake was apprehended after turning himself in to the police in response to charges of match-fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League. The charges against him include attempting to fix games and using a telephone connection from Dubai to coordinate these plans with two other players.

The 38-year-old was accused of trying to fix the games of the 2020 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) where he had allegedly enticed two players to fix games. 

Match-fixing is a grave offense that tarnishes the integrity of the sport and undermines the trust of millions of fans worldwide. It is disheartening to see a player with such potential succumb to such unethical practices. Senanayake was once considered a rising star in Sri Lanka cricket, known for his off-spin bowling and exceptional fielding skills.

Sachitra Senanayake's contribution to Sri Lanka in International cricket

Between 2012 and 2016, the off spinner played one Test, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20 international matches. The cricketer, who was born in Colombo, took 25 test wickets and 53 ODI wickets. The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration was mandated to issue a three-month travel ban by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. The Special Investigation Unit of the Sports Ministry had given the Attorney General's Department instructions to fabricate criminal accusations against the former off spinner, the court was informed.

Senanayake had a successful career, but the strong charges of match fixing have damaged his reputation. In order to conduct an inquiry into these allegations, the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court imposed a travel ban on him in August 2023.  Senanayake requested an anticipatory bail against his arrest in 2021, but it was denied. The 38-year-old cricket player, however, has refuted all accusations, claiming they are false and part of an intentional effort to harm his character and the reputations of his family members.