Image source- AFP
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s court has granted bail
to veteran Sri Lankan offspinner Sachithra Senanayake, the police media
division has reported. Senanayake had been detained on September 6 on suspicion
of rigging games. While the prior court-ordered travel prohibition is still in
effect, bail was granted on two sureties totaling LKR 5,000,000 each. He will
show up in court once more on December 12, 2023.
The 38-year-old Senananayake is accused of attempting
to persuade players to fix in the 2020 Lanka Premier League. Senanayake is
accused of contacting multiple LPL players, despite the fact that he did not
participate in the competition himself and is believed to have been abroad at
the time.
The arrest was made in accordance with the
2019-enacted Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act. The crime of sports
corruption is defined by this statute as “any person who solicits,
entices, persuades, or instructs any person… to influence the result,
progress, or conduct of any sport.” The first arrest under this law was
made in this case.
Prior to being exposed for his actions in 2014,
Senanayake had a somewhat illustrious career. He had played a significant role
in Sri Lanka’s successful 2014 T20 World Cup campaign and had also been
acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2013 IPL season for USD $625,000.
Although he made a return in 2014 with a remodeled
bowling action, his career declined thereafter. He played the last of his 49
ODIs in December 2015, and the last of his 24 T20Is in 2016. He also played one
Test in 2013, but didn’t take any wickets.