Charges stem from Thakur’s attempt to approach West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher during Lanka T10 League in December 2024, allegedly offering incentives to manipulate match outcomes on behalf of Galle Marvels
COLOMBO: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-May 30th, 2025) In a landmark ruling, the owner of Lanka T10 League franchise Galle Marvels, Indian national Prem Thakur, has been sentenced to two years in prison, a fine of INR 6 million, INR 1 million in compensation, and a 10-year suspension from all cricket-related activities after pleading guilty to match-fixing charges.
The international media reported that the conviction was made under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offenses Related to Sports Act, aimed at combating corruption in sports.
The charges stem from Thakur’s attempt to approach West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher during the Lanka T10 League in December 2024, allegedly offering incentives to manipulate match outcomes on behalf of the Galle Marvels.
The Kandy High Court, which issued the verdict, also granted permission to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit to access and analyze data from Thakur’s mobile phone as part of a broader investigation into corruption in cricket.
In addition to serving his sentence, Prem Thakur has been directed to leave Sri Lanka after settling the imposed fine and compensation amount. His 10-year suspension effectively bars him from participating in any form of professional cricket or related activities during that period.
This ruling marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s crackdown on corruption in sports and sends a strong message to those involved in unethical practices. It is one of the first high-profile convictions under the country’s relatively new sports integrity law and highlights the increased collaboration between national authorities and international cricket bodies like the ICC to maintain the sanctity of the game.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the cricketing world, particularly regarding the vulnerabilities in franchise-based leagues and the need for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures to protect the integrity of the sport.
