This is going to be done as planned in July, the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in Sri Lanka has promised despite the recent arrest of Tamim Rahman, a British owner of Dambulla Thunders Team for engaging in match-fixing activities under suspicion
Rahman was arrested at the airport in Colombo on Wednesday where he had boarded to travel to Dubai. A court in Colombo has remanded him into custody till May 31. The arrest came just one day after the team spent $450,000 to buy 24 players at auction.
The LPL rights holder, IPG Group, said that different people will now own Dambulla franchise.
“In spite of recent changes to ownership our Dambulla franchise will compete under new management,” according to a statement.
“We are finalising arrangements for new ownership that guarantee seamless transition and uninterrupted team participation.”
The specialized sports corruption police unit made this arrest which marked the first time an LPL Sri Lanka official was detained since its start four years ago.
Police told the court investigations regarding match fixing and organized betting are being carried out against Rahman who has strong business links with Bangladesh
Such offenders could also face imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fines up to Rs. 100 million under The Sports Act.