In a landmark development for Sri Lankan cricket, former national player and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been formally indicted by the Hambantota High Court for attempting to engage in match-fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL). This indictment marks the first of its kind under Sri Lanka’s newly introduced anti-corruption laws, signaling a tougher stance on cricket-related corruption.
First Cricketer Charged Under Sri Lanka’s New Anti-Corruption Law
The Attorney General’s Department confirmed that the 40-year-old off-spinner is the first national-level cricketer in Sri Lanka to face prosecution under the Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports Act, introduced to combat corruption in sports, including cricket. Senanayake was arrested and later released on bail in 2023, but the formal charges have now been filed in court.
“This is the first indictment of its kind and it sends a strong message to all professional athletes that no one is above the law,” said an official from the AG’s office.
Allegations and Details of the Incident
According to reports in Sri Lankan media, Senanayake allegedly approached Tharindu Ratnayake, a fellow national cricketer who was playing for Colombo Kings during the 2020 season of the LPL. The indictment claims that Senanayake attempted to persuade Ratnayake to engage in corrupt practices, violating not only league protocols but also legal boundaries set under the country’s anti-corruption statute.
A report published by the Daily Mirror states that Senanayake made multiple phone calls from Dubai, targeting at least two other cricketers participating in the same tournament. While the identities of the other two players have not yet been disclosed publicly, investigations are reportedly ongoing.
The 2020 Lanka Premier League was the inaugural edition of Sri Lanka’s franchise T20 tournament and featured several domestic and international players. The tournament’s reputation is now under scrutiny due to these serious allegations.
From World Cup Winner to Legal Trouble
Senanayake was once a key member of Sri Lanka’s T20 setup, playing 1 Test, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20Is between 2012 and 2016. Known for his unorthodox bowling action and clever variations, he picked up 78 international wickets during his career. Most notably, he was part of the Sri Lankan squad that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014.
He also had a stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His performances with KKR had initially propelled his visibility on the international stage. However, his career was later affected by scrutiny over his bowling action and inconsistent performances.
Legal and Cricketing Implications
Senanayake now faces serious criminal charges that could lead to imprisonment and a permanent ban from all cricket-related activities if convicted. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has refrained from commenting until the legal process is concluded, but sources close to the board suggest a lifetime ban may be considered depending on the court’s decision.
This case is being closely watched by anti-corruption units across the cricketing world, including the International Cricket Council (ICC), as it sets a precedent for how national laws can be used to tackle match-fixing in domestic T20 leagues.
What Lies Ahead
The next court hearing is expected to be scheduled soon, and it will determine whether Senanayake will face a full criminal trial. Meanwhile, this development has sparked renewed calls for stricter surveillance and education on anti-corruption measures in cricket leagues worldwide.
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