Praveen Jayawickrama, the Sri Lankan left-arm spinner, finds himself at the center of a corruption scandal as the International Cricket Council (ICC) charges him with multiple breaches of its anti-corruption code. The charges, which relate to alleged corrupt approaches during international matches and the Lanka Premier League (LPL), open the door for possible legal action under Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.
The ICC has charged Jayawickrama under articles 2.4.4 and 2.4.7 of its anti-corruption code, including failing to report corrupt approaches and obstructing investigations by deleting messages. These allegations could have serious legal repercussions within Sri Lanka, where the national Anti-Corruption Act provides a framework for prosecuting such offenses.
Legal Grounds Under the Anti-Corruption Act
- Failure to Report Corrupt Approaches:
- Section 69 (1)(f): This section of the Anti-Corruption Act requires individuals to report any instance or attempt of corruption in sports to authorities without delay. Jayawickrama’s alleged failure to disclose approaches for match-fixing could constitute a direct violation of this provision, warranting legal action.
- Obstruction of Investigation:
- Section 70: This section prohibits obstructing or interfering with investigations into corrupt practices. By allegedly deleting messages related to the corrupt approaches, Jayawickrama could be seen as intentionally hindering the investigation process, which is a prosecutable offence under the Act.
The Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 was enacted to strengthen the fight against corruption across all sectors in Sri Lanka, including sports. The Act empowers authorities to take decisive action against individuals who engage in or facilitate corrupt practices. Jayawickrama’s alleged actions, as outlined by the ICC, fit within the scope of the Act’s provisions, providing a solid legal basis for prosecution.
If Jayawickrama is sued under the Anti-Corruption Act, he could face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Such legal action would also have implications for his cricketing career, potentially leading to suspensions or bans.
