Sri Lanka Cricket(SLC) confirmed that the upcoming Lanka Premier League 2024 will be played with its full roster of matches and feature all five teams.
The termination of the Dambulla Thunders implementers after it was revealed that a franchise official Tamim Rahman, a Bangladeshi national, who is the CEO of the Imperial Sports Group that manages the Thunders, was arrested by Colombo Police over allegations of match-fixing.
He was arrested under the 2019 Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act, which relates to corruption.
SLC announced that Dambulla Thunders will have a new owner and also assured that the league will be played as planned.
The fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League is set to play between July 1 and 21 across three different venues in Sri Lanka.
“The Lanka premiership league season 5 will continue with its full schedule and roster of matches featuring five teams,” a release said.
It added that SLC was in the final stages of confirming a new ownership.
“We assure that all players fans and stakeholders that the league’s integrity and the spirit of cricket will be preserved throughout the tournament.” Rahman, a British citizen of Bangladeshi origin, was arrested by immigration officials at the city’s Bandaranaike International Airport following a court order.
The Dambulla franchise was bought by Imperial Sports Group, led by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, in April. However, the exact charges against Rahman are not yet clear.
“While the specifics of the charges against Mr Rahman remain unclear, the integrity and smooth functioning of the Lanka Premier League are of utmost importance,” SLC stated on Wednesday.
Rahman was being investigated under two provisions of the country’s sports act related to match-fixing and attempting to place bets.
Reacting to the development, LPL rights holder IPG group chairman Anil Mohan said, “We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and professionalism and will continue to support all our teams, players, and fans during this transition.”
Recently, a court in Sri Lanka ordered Indian nationals Yoni Patel and P Akash to surrender their passports as both are set to be indicted for match-fixing in the unsanctioned Legends Cricket League in Colombo.
The season opener will be played between defending champions B-Love Kandy and Dambulla Thunders at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
