Former Sri Lankan spinner Sachithra Senanayake, who also featured for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, found himself entangled in a legal web as he was arrested on Wednesday over allegations of match-fixing. The arrest was made by the Sports Corruption Investigation Unit after Senanayake willingly turned himself in earlier in the day. This arrest follows a travel restriction that was imposed on him by the court three weeks prior.
The 38-year-old Senanayake stands accused of attempting to rig matches in the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL). He purportedly tried to lure two players into game-fixing schemes. Although Senanayake had a relatively brief international career, featuring in just one Test, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20 internationals from 2012 to 2016, his arrest has cast a shadow over his playing history and raised questions about the integrity of the sport in Sri Lanka.
Renowned for his adept off-spin bowling and exceptional mastery in line and length, especially with his carrom balls, Senanayake had a unique talent for delivering this specialised delivery with pinpoint accuracy. He garnered a total of 53 ODI wickets and 25 in T20s during his career. In Sri Lanka's domestic cricket scene, Senanayake has consistently excelled, accumulating a remarkable 567 wickets across 112 first-class matches. This impressive record speaks volumes about his skill as a bowler. However, the ongoing legal turmoil risks overshadowing his on-field achievements. As the case progresses, both cricket aficionados and the wider public are keenly anticipating its resolution, given its high-profile nature.
Further complicating the situation, the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court has directed the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration to implement a three-month travel ban on Senanayake. This move essentially restricts his ability to leave the country, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him.
Moreover, the Special Investigation Unit of the Sports Ministry has already guided the Attorney General’s Department to prepare criminal charges against the former off-spinner. With charges looming, Senanayake finds himself in increasingly hot water, and the arrest symbolizes a significant escalation in this ongoing saga.
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