Cricket Scandal Breakdown: Indian National Sentenced for Match-Fixing

An Indian national, Yogi Patel, was sentenced to four years in prison by the high court in Matale for fixing a cricket match in Sri Lanka. He faced trial in absentia after fleeing the country. Patel's conviction comes under the Prevention of Sports Related Corruption Act, highlighting the strict measures against sports corruption in Sri Lanka.

An Indian national named Yogi Patel received a four-year prison sentence for his involvement in a cricket match-fixing scandal, decided by the Matale high court. The case pertains to the 2024 Legends League T20 tournament played in Kandy.

Patel became the target of legal action following a complaint from Upul Tharanga, the head of Sri Lanka's cricket selectors. Tharanga's accusation centered on a plan to manipulate match outcomes in the popular tournament. Despite a court-mandated travel ban, Patel fled Sri Lanka, resulting in his trial being conducted in absentia.

Authorities arrested Patel in March last year, although he was released on bail in May under stringent conditions. Patel's legal representatives argued that he fled due to death threats. The case unfolded under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Sports Related Corruption Act, enacted in 2019, which imposes severe penalties for sports fraud. The court ordered Patel to pay substantial fines in addition to serving his sentence.

(With inputs from agencies.)