A shocking case of match-fixing in cricket has resurfaced, this time with a fresh update. Last year, reports emerged of suspicious activity during the Legends Cricket League in Sri Lanka. Now, a Sri Lankan court has sentenced an Indian national, Yogi Patel, to four years in prison for his involvement in a 2024 match-fixing case.
According to PTI news agency, Patel was found guilty of offering to fix a match in the Legends League T20 tournament in Kandy. The charges were brought against him based on a complaint filed by Upul Tharanga, the chairman of Sri Lanka’s selection committee. Patel’s trial was held in absentia due to his failure to appear in court, despite a travel ban. He was arrested in March last year and later released on bail in May under strict conditions.
Sri Lanka has strict laws against match-fixing, categorizing it as a criminal offense under the country’s Criminal Law. Those found guilty of match-fixing in Sri Lanka can face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. Although the Legends Cricket League is not officially affiliated with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board or the ICC, it features prominent players from several countries, including India. In 2019, Sri Lanka adopted the Sports Corruption Prevention Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of over $550,000.
The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance in combating corruption in sports.
Match-fixing laws
Sri Lanka’s laws against match-fixing are among the strictest in the world. The country’s Criminal Law provides for severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those found guilty of match-fixing. The Sports Corruption Prevention Act of 2019 further strengthened the laws, making it a punishable offense to engage in any form of sports corruption.
Key facts
- Yogi Patel, an Indian national, was sentenced to four years in prison for match-fixing.
- The incident occurred during the Legends Cricket League in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka has strict laws against match-fixing, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines.
- The Sports Corruption Prevention Act of 2019 strengthened the laws against sports corruption in Sri Lanka.
The case serves as a reminder of the need for integrity in sports and the importance of enforcing strict laws to prevent corruption.