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Sri Lankan Cricketer Praveen Jayawickrama Charged with Multiple Breaches of ICC Anti-Corruption Code

Nisarga Barkule 4 months ago

Sri Lankan spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been charged with three violations of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The charges stem from allegations that Jayawickrama failed to promptly report an approach to engage in corrupt practices during international matches and the 2021 Lanka Premier League (LPL).

The 25-year-old cricketer, who has played 15 international matches for Sri Lanka, is accused of breaching the following articles of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code:

  1. Article 2.4.4 – Jayawickrama allegedly failed to report, without unnecessary delay, an approach he received to engage in fixing during future international matches.
  2. Article 2.4.4 – A second charge under the same article involves Jayawickrama’s failure to report an approach where he was asked to persuade another player to engage in fixing during the 2021 Lanka Premier League.
  3. Article 2.4.7 – Jayawickrama is also accused of obstructing the ICC’s investigation by deleting messages related to these corrupt approaches.

According to the ICC’s statement, Jayawickrama has 14 days from August 6, 2024, to respond to the charges. The charges are severe, as the ICC Anti-Corruption Code places significant emphasis on players’ responsibilities to report any suspicious approaches immediately. The ICC, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Cricket, has decided to handle the LPL-related charge alongside those concerning international matches, under Articles 1.7.4.1 and 1.8.1 of the Code.

Praveen Jayawickrama, a left-arm spinner, made his international debut for Sri Lanka in 2021 during a Test match against Bangladesh. Praveen had an impressive start, taking 11 wickets in his debut match, the best figures for a Sri Lankan bowler on debut. However, his international career has been inconsistent, with his last appearance for Sri Lanka coming in the T20I series against Australia in 2022. The charges against him now cast a shadow over his future in cricket, as the ICC continues its efforts to maintain the integrity of the sport.