Former Sri Lanka off spinner Sachithra Senanayake gets arrested on match fixing charges

Former Sri Lanka off-spinner, Sachithra Senanayake finds himself in a controversy as he has been arrested on match-fixing charges. The ex-cricketer surrendered to the Special Investigation Unit of the Sports Ministry, taking a significant step in the ongoing legal case. Notably, Senanayake has been accused of attempting to manipulate matches during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL). He allegedly contacted two fellow cricketers via telephone from Dubai to conspire in match-fixing activities. These allegations have cast a shadow over his once-respected cricket career.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court enforced a travel ban on Senanayake in August 2023, following an investigation into these serious allegations. The move came after the Attorney General instructed the Sports Ministry’s Special Investigation Unit to initiate criminal proceedings against him. Senanayake, who is 38 years old, has vehemently denied the charges against him, dismissing them as unfounded and part of a deliberate campaign to spoil his reputation and that of his family.

During his career as a cricketer, Senanayake represented Sri Lanka in one Test match, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20 Internationals between 2012 and 2016. He was renowned for his skillful off-spin bowling and exceptional control over line and length, particularly when bowling carrom balls. He was known for his rare ability to bowl the carrom ball with great accuracy. In total, he claimed 53 wickets in ODIs and 25 wickets in T20s.

Within the domestic circuit in Sri Lanka, Senanayake has consistently performed at a high level, amassing an impressive tally of 567 wickets in 112 first-class matches, which is a testament to his bowling prowess. However, this controversy threatens to overshadow his accomplishments on the field. As the legal proceedings unfold, cricket enthusiasts and the general public eagerly await the resolution of this high-profile case.