Match-Fixing Makes A Return? Sri Lankan Court Asks Two Indians To Surrender Passports

Galle Stadium hosting a Test match (x.com)

Recently, a local court in Sri Lanka has ordered Indian nationals Yoni Patel and P Akash to surrender their passports, after the two mentioned have allegedly for fixed matches in the 'unsanctioned' Legends Cricket League.

The two Indian, who are currently out on bail, have been accused of trying to fix matches in the league, which was played between March 8 and 19 at Kandy's Pallekele Stadium. In the final of the tournament, Rajasthan Kings defeated New York Super Strikers to win the title.

Former Sri Lankan captain and current head selector, Upul Tharanga - alongside former New Zealand batter Neil Broom - had complained to the Special Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Sports about the approaches by Patel and Akash to fix games by under-performing in the league.

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As mentioned in a report by PTI, Patel and Akash have been banned from leaving Sri Lanka by the local court until the investigations could be completed.

Meanwhile, it is understood that the Legends Cricket League is neither recognised by the ICC nor Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Thus, if the two are found guilty can be jailed for up to 10 years and also be required to pay fines.

Historically, India and Sri Lanka have had a long-standing relationship with match-fixing. Cricketers such as Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, Sachithra Senanayake, Dilhara Lokuhettige, and a few more from the subcontinent have been banned because of match-fixing charges.

(With inputs from PTI)