An Indian-origin franchise owner in The Lanka T10 League 2024 has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of match-fixing. On Thursday, December 12, Prem Thakkur, an Indian national and co-owner of the Galle Marvels team, was arrested by Sri Lankan sports police in connection with the match-fixing scandal.
Galle Marvels' co-owner Prem Thakkur arrested on match-fixing allegations
The Lanka T10 League 2024 is currently underway as it kicked off from December 11 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. However, the match-fixing allegations have tarnished the tournament's reputation. According to a report by PTI, Sri Lankan authorities have taken action by arresting an individual involved in the league.
Indian-origin Prem Thakkur, co-owner of the Galle Marvels team in the Lanka T10 League, has been arrested by Sri Lankan police. The arrest follows complaints from multiple players who accused Thakkar of attempting to fix matches.
Thakkar was apprehended on Thursday at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy, where the Lanka T10 League is currently being held. Police have confirmed that Thakkar is indeed the owner of the Galle Marvels team.
“The owner of the ‘Galle Marvels' team in the Lanka T10 Super League, was arrested and will be produced before court on Friday," Police said, as quoted by PTI.
Several players, including Sri Lankan and West Indian cricketers, have accused Prem Thakkar, the co-owner of the Galle Marvels team in the Lanka T10 League, of attempting to involve them in match-fixing. The players, who rejected Thakkar's offers, reported the incident to the anti-corruption unit.
Following an investigation, Thakkar was arrested is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, December 13. Authorities are now probing the possibility of a larger match-fixing network operating within the league.
While the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has not yet released an official statement, Samantha Dodanwela, the tournament director of the Lanka T10 League, has confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned.
The Lanka T10 League has already faced controversy, including recent match-fixing allegations. This is not the first instance of corruption in Sri Lankan cricket. Earlier this year, spinner Praveen Jayawickrama was banned by the ICC for one year, with six months suspended, for failing to report a match-fixing approach. While his admission delayed the investigation, it also paved the way for a potential return in six months.
Talking about the Sri Lanka team, they will tour New Zealand for a limited-overs series in December 2024 and January 2025. The tour will consist of three ODIs and as many T20Is. This series will be of utmost importance for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
