The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Sri Lanka player Praveen Jayawickrama from all forms of cricket for one year.
The ban was suspended six months after he admitted breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Jayawickrama admitted to being in breach of the following provision under the code.
This ban announced on October 03, comes from Jayawickrama admitting to obstructing an investigation by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption unit, a serious violation that carries backlogs consequences for his future in the sport.
According to Article 2.4.7, Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the ACU, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.
While ICC did not specify the exact incident that led to the 26-year-old’s ban, the body confirms that violations took place during international matches and the Lanka Premier League.
Jayawickrama made his international debut with a test against Bangladesh in 2021. He has played five tests, five ODIs and five T20Is and his last appearance for Sri Lanka in 2022 back at home in Australia in a T20I.
Coming to the LPL, Jayawickrama contributed to the Jaffna Kings and won the second title in 2021. However, he only played one match that season and took two wickets in the game.
In LPL 2024, Jayawickrama played for Dambulla Sixers. The charges relate to international cricket and the Lanka Premier League. The ICC, in agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket, acted by Articles 1.7.4.1 and 1.8.1 of the Anti-Corruption Code.
The ICC’s strict enforcement of its Anti-Corruption Code is a reminder of the governing body’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of cricket.
Corruption in the sport, notably match-fixing, has been a persistent issue and the ICC has continually ramped up efforts to tackle these problems head-on.
Jayawickrama’s case highlights the importance of players cooperating with investigations and reporting suspicious approaches immediately.
The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit has been Pivotal in tracking down corrupt activities, ensuring that players and officials who deviate from the code face significant repercussions.
In its media release, the ICC has revealed that the full decision has been redacted to protect the witnesses and other third parties involved in the investigation.
The SLC‘s cooperation in the case gives a strong stance against corruption, but the organization will likely review its internal processes to prevent such incidents in the future.
