Sri Lankan Cricketer Praveen Jayawickrama Banned by ICC for Anti-Corruption Code Violation
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed Praveen Jayawickrama, the Sri Lankan cricketer, a one-year ban for breaching the sport’s Anti-Corruption Code.
Jayawickrama’s Breach and Admission
Praveen Jayawickrama has been suspended for one year, with six months of the ban suspended due to his admission of violating the Anti-Corruption Code.
The ICC confirmed that Jayawickrama obstructed an investigation conducted by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
The cricketer was found to have deleted key messages related to corrupt approaches made to him.
Jayawickrama’s ban stems from his violation of Article 2.4.7 of the Anti-Corruption Code, which prohibits obstructing or delaying an investigation by tampering with or destroying any evidence or information relevant to an ACU investigation.
Details of the Charges
The ICC revealed that Jayawickrama faced three charges for violating the Code, all related to failing to report corrupt approaches and obstructing the subsequent investigation.
The charges are as follows:
- Article 2.4.4: Failing to report, without unnecessary delay, an approach made to him to engage in match-fixing during future International Matches.
- Article 2.4.4: Failing to report, without unnecessary delay, an approach to recruit another player to participate in fixing during the 2021 Lanka Premier League.
- Article 2.4.7: Obstructing the ACU’s investigation by deleting messages that contained details of these corrupt approaches.
Consequences and Suspension
Jayawickrama’s ban will last for one year, with half of the term suspended, subject to him not breaching the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code again during this period.
His cooperation and admission to the charges were factors in the ICC’s decision to suspend six months of his sanction.
A Warning for the Future
The ICC’s ban serves as a reminder to players of the serious consequences of failing to report corrupt approaches and attempting to obstruct investigations.
Jayawickrama’s case reinforces the governing body’s strict stance on upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that players remain compliant with the Anti-Corruption Code.
