Owner of Kandy Samp Army Yoni Patel indicted for match-fixing in Legends Cricket Trophy

NEW DELHI: Yoni Patel, the owner of Kandy Samp Army, a team that participated in the Legends Cricket Trophy, has been indicted on charges of match-fixing, according to Sri Lanka's Attorney General. The Colombo Magistrate was informed by a State Counsel representing the Attorney General that Patel is facing criminal charges before the Colombo High Court for allegedly pressuring a cricketer to engage in corrupt practices during the tournament, which featured retired international stars and was held in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by Upul Tharanga, a retired Sri Lankan national cricketer who played for Patel's team, and Neil Broom, a former New Zealand cricketer who represented Punjab Royals. The two players reported being approached by individuals claiming to be the Kandy Samp team owner and the Punjab Royals manager, with offers of money to underperform and fix match results.Tharanga promptly reported the incident to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Sri Lanka Sports Ministry, while Broom informed New Zealand Cricket and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The SIU investigation revealed that the Punjab Royals manager had instructed Broom to score less than 10 runs after facing more than 10 balls.Patel, who is currently on bail and subject to travel restrictions, had his legal team file a motion before the Colombo Magistrate Court to revoke the travel ban. Initially released on a surety bail of Sri Lankan Rs.10 million, Patel and the Punjab Royals manager, P. Akash, were prohibited from leaving Sri Lanka until June 12. The Magistrate also ordered the Controller of Immigration and Emigration to enforce the travel ban and prevent the duo from departing through an airport.The Legend Cricket League 2024, which took place from March 8 to March 19 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, featured seven teams comprising retired international cricketers from various countries. Although Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was not officially involved in the tournament, they provided the venue for the championship.(With inputs from IANS)