The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has been rocked by a scandal just days after a successful player auction. Sri Lanka Cricket and IPG, the rights holders of the LPL, have terminated their contract with the Dambulla Thunders franchise following the arrest of team owner Tamim Rahman.
Rahman, a Bangladeshi national and CEO of the Imperial Sports Group that manages the Thunders, was arrested by Colombo Police on suspicion of match-fixing. Match-fixing is a serious criminal offence in Sri Lanka, and this development casts a dark shadow over the upcoming season of the LPL.
LPL Determined to Maintain League Integrity
Despite this setback, the LPL remains committed to running the tournament on schedule. Organizers are prepared to manage the Thunders franchise themselves if a new owner cannot be found before the July 1st start date.
“The LPL will go ahead as scheduled,” an LPL official confirmed to Cricbuzz. “We will run the side if we can’t find an owner in time for the LPL. In the past, we managed two sides and we are ready to take a financial hit.”
The LPL is keen to project an image of transparency and professionalism. “We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and professionalism and will continue to support all our teams, players and fans during this transition,” stated LPL rights holder IPG Group chairman Anil Mohan.
Focus on Upholding LPL’s Reputation
The league released a statement emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the competition. “While the specifics of the charges against Mr. Rahman remain unclear, the integrity and smooth running of the Lanka Premier League are of utmost importance,” the statement reads.
The LPL is taking a strong stance against corruption to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all participants. “This termination/retraction of rights aims to uphold the values and reputation of the LPL, ensuring that all participants adhere to the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship,” the statement continued.
Impact on LPL 2024 Season
The Dambulla Thunders’ expulsion will necessitate adjustments to the upcoming LPL season. The league management is currently working on solutions to minimize disruption caused by this sudden development.
The remaining four teams, B-Love Kandy (defending champions), Colombo Strikers, Galle Marvels, and Jaffna Kings, are still expected to compete. With the Thunders out of the picture, the LPL will need to find a way to replace the players who were part of their squad.
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