Background of the Case

In a landmark move, the Hambantota High Court on June 5, 2025, formally indicted former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake for his alleged role in a match-fixing attempt during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL). This development marks the first-ever criminal indictment under Sri Lanka’s newly enacted Sports Anti-Corruption Law, a statute aimed at curbing betting-related corruption and manipulation in professional sport.

Allegations of Corrupt Approaches

According to court documents and official reports, Senanayake is accused of having approached fellow cricketer Tharindu Ratnayake, who was then representing Colombo Kings, with a proposition to engage in match-fixing during the inaugural season of the LPL. In addition, he allegedly contacted two other domestic players via phone calls made from Dubai, encouraging them to participate in similar misconduct. These communications, though not resulting in actual game manipulation, are considered criminal inducement under the new law.

Legal Framework and Significance

This indictment is the first to be filed under Sri Lanka’s dedicated sports anti-corruption legislation, which criminalizes not only fixing but also attempts, inducement, and corrupt approaches. The law was introduced in response to international pressure and domestic reports linking high-level cricket to illicit betting activities. The charges filed against Senanayake illustrate the law’s reach: even the act of initiating contact with corrupt intent now attracts criminal prosecution.

Arrest and Procedural Developments

Senanayake was initially arrested in 2023 based on a formal complaint by the Ministry of Sports’ Anti-Corruption Unit. He was released on bail after undergoing custodial interrogation, and the matter remained under investigation by the Attorney General’s Department. On June 5, 2025, the Hambantota High Court accepted the indictment, allowing formal criminal proceedings to begin.

Player Profile: Sachithra Senanayake

Sachithra Senanayake, 40, played international cricket for Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2016. He represented the country in:

• 1 Test

• 49 ODIs (53 wickets)

• 24 T20Is (28 wickets)

A notable moment in his career was being part of the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning squad. He also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013. His reputation as a disciplined off-spinner now faces a severe blow with these criminal charges.

Broader Impact on Sports Governance

This case is being closely watched by global and regional sports regulators, including the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit and the Asian Cricket Council. It sets a precedent that Sri Lanka will not merely rely on administrative bans or fines but will use the full force of the criminal justice system to tackle corruption in sport. The indictment may also inspire similar reforms in other South Asian nations facing endemic betting-related issues.

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Key Legal Insights

Under the new anti-corruption law, the act of inducement alone—even without actual fixing—qualifies as a punishable offense. The statute eliminates the need to prove that a match was manipulated or that the offer was accepted. This strict liability model strengthens law enforcement’s ability to deter, investigate, and prosecute corruption in sport effectively.

A Regional Legal Landmark

By choosing to indict a former World Cup-winning cricketer under a newly implemented law, Sri Lanka is making a clear legal and political statement: the era of impunity in sports corruption is over. This move elevates sports law in South Asia to new standards of enforcement and accountability. It also pressures cricket boards and tournament organizers to implement better compliance, age-gating, reporting, and monitoring mechanisms.

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Implications for the Lanka Premier League

The Lanka Premier League, launched in 2020, has already been under scrutiny for weak regulatory controls. This indictment will likely force Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to revisit its vetting procedures, ethical conduct training, and integrity frameworks. Ensuring transparency and oversight in future editions of the LPL will be essential to avoid reputational damage and regulatory backlash.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Sports Integrity in Sri Lanka

The criminal prosecution of Sachithra Senanayake represents a turning point in Sri Lanka’s sports governance landscape. It proves that the country is prepared to move beyond warnings and internal disciplinary measures and commit to legal accountability under national law. As the trial progresses, its outcome could shape the trajectory of sports law enforcement not just in Sri Lanka but across the cricketing world.