Sri Lankan Spinner Sachithra Senanayake Booked Under Match Fixing Charges

Sachithra Senanayake in action [X.com]

In a shocking development, former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachitra Senanayake has been arrested for match-fixing. As reported by NewsWire, Senanayake surrendered to the Sports Ministry's special investigation unit and will soon be produced in court for legal hearing. 

The 38-year-old is accused of approaching two cricketers to fix matches in the LPL 2020. Senanayake attempted to convince the cricketers to be a part of the wrongdoings via telephone calls from Dubai during the tournament. 

Although the ex-player has repeatedly denied the allegations, a three-month travel ban was imposed on him in August 2023 following the Attorney General's directions to the Sports Ministry's Special Investigation Unit to press criminal charges against him.

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Senanayake has represented Sri Lanka in 74 matches, scalping 78 wickets across formats. An asset in white-ball cricket, the wily tweaker picked 78 wickets in ODIs and T20Is combined at an impressive economy. He was also a handy batter down the order, contributing crucial runs for his side, particularly in limited-overs cricket. 

Debuting in 2012, Senanayake was a vital cog in the Lankan white-ball setup for a brief period, while his last international appearance came in a T20I game against Australia in Colombo back in September 2016.

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