Colombo. Indian national Yoni Patel, owner of the Kandy Swamp Army team in Sri Lanka’s Legends Cricket League, is being charged with match-fixing along with his compatriot P Akash. Last Friday, the court had rejected Patel’s bail plea and extended the travel ban imposed on both of them for a month, a Colombo Magistrate Court official said.
Yoni Patel Akash accused of fixing
Yoni Patel and Akash are accused of trying to fix matches in the Legends Cricket League, which was held at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy district from March 8 to 19. Rajasthan Kings defeated New York Super Strikers in the final. Officials said that as the case progresses, charges will also be framed against Punjab Royals manager Akash.
Tharanga-Neil Broome made allegations
Former Sri Lankan ODI captain, current chief selector Upul Tharanga and former New Zealand player Neil Broom had complained to the Special Investigation Unit of the Sports Ministry about Patel and Akash contacting the Sports Ministry to fix matches for under-performing in the league. . After this, the court banned Patel and Akash from leaving the country until the investigation is completed. Legends Cricket League has neither been recognized by ICC nor by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Sri Lanka was the first South Asian country to criminalize match-fixing and corruption in sports when it passed a law against the menace in 2019. Anyone found guilty can be jailed for up to 10 years and also have to pay a fine. There is also a provision of punishment under the law for failure to give information about contacts for corruption.