LPL ends agreement with Dambulla Thunders after owner’s apprehension

LPL, 2024. (Source -Twitter/X)

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has taken swift action following the arrest of Dambulla Thunders‘ owner, Tamim Rahman, in Colombo. Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi origin, was apprehended under Sri Lanka’s sports law, sparking concerns of corruption within the league.

Rahman’s arrest came just a day after a high-profile player auction, where his team, Dambulla Thunders, made significant investments, including securing the most expensive foreign player, Afghanistan’s all-rounder Karim Janat, for $80,000.

The arrest, conducted by the special investigation unit of the sports ministry at the Colombo International Airport, has raised suspicions of match-fixing and attempted betting organizations. Rahman has been remanded in custody pending further investigations until May 31.

Lanka Premier League Dambulla Thunders team owner Tamim Rahman, a British citizen of Bangladesh origin, remanded till May 31st over match fixing related charges

📸 Dambulla Thunders pic.twitter.com/rLUNZj6cts

Lanka Premier League Dambulla Thunders team owner Tamim Rahman, a British citizen of Bangladesh origin, remanded till May 31st over match fixing related charges

📸 Dambulla Thunders pic.twitter.com/rLUNZj6cts

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) May 22, 2024

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) May 22, 2024

This incident marks the first arrest of an official associated with the LPL since its inception four years ago. Under Sri Lanka’s sports act, individuals found guilty of such offenses face severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

The termination of Dambulla Thunders’ contract by the LPL underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency. While details of the corruption allegations remain unclear, the authorities are actively pursuing the matter to uphold the integrity of the sport.