The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has terminated its contract with Dambulla Thunders, one of the five participating teams, with immediate effect following the arrest of Thunders owner Tamim Rahman in Colombo on Wednesday. He was arrested under the 2019 Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports law, which is governed by the Sri Lanka’s sports ministry.
ESPNcricinfo has learnt from the Sri Lankan police that Rahman is a British national of Bangladeshi origin and was arrested prior to boarding a flight in Colombo. It is also learnt that the arrest is in connection with corruption in the LPL, though details are not clear at this stage.
“While the specifics of the charges against Mr. Rahman remain unclear, the integrity and smooth functioning of the Lanka Premier League are of utmost importance,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. “This termination aims to uphold the values and reputation of the LPL, ensuring that all participants adhere to the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship.
“The LPL management is working diligently to address the consequences of this termination and to ensure minimal disruption to the upcoming season.”
The franchise also has in its rolls prominent overseas cricketers like Mustafizur Rahman, Ibrahim Zadran and Iftikhar Ahmed, as well as Sri Lanka internationals Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya, Danushka Gunathilaka, Nuwan Pradeep and others.