Why has Saliya Saman been banned from cricket for five years?
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Synopsis
Saliya Saman, the former Sri Lankan cricketer, faces a significant blow to his career with a five-year ban from cricket. This decision follows his involvement in corrupt activities during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League, as determined by the ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal. Discover the details behind this shocking ruling and its far-reaching implications.
Key Takeaways
- Saliya Saman banned for five years
- Violation of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code
- Charges stem from the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League
- Ban effective retroactively from September 13, 2023
- ICC aims to uphold integrity in cricket
Dubai, Aug 15 (NationPress) - The former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer Saliya Saman has received a five-year ban from all cricket activities after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal determined he violated the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.
Saman was one of eight individuals charged in September 2023 for violating the Code during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League. The ICC's designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) intervened to disrupt attempts to manipulate matches within the tournament.
According to an ICC announcement made on Friday, the ban is effective retroactively from September 13, 2023, when Saman was provisionally suspended. “After a comprehensive hearing where both written and oral arguments were presented, the Tribunal ruled Saman guilty of Article 2.1.1, which specifies, ‘Being party to an attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly matches or aspects of matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.’”
“He is also charged under Article 2.1.3, which states, ‘Offering a Reward to another Participant in exchange for that player engaging in Corrupt Conduct under the Code,’ and Article 2.1.4, which addresses, ‘Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1,’ as per the ICC's statement.
This news follows the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit charging Saman along with Pune Devils franchise co-owners Krishan Kumar Chaudhary and Parag Sanghvi, Bangladesh all-rounder Nasir Hossain, domestic player Rizwan Javed, batting coach Ashar Zaidi, assistant coach Sunny Dhillon, and team manager Shadab Ahamed for their involvement in alleged corrupt activities during the tournament.
Earlier in April this year, Hossain returned to competitive cricket in Bangladesh after completing a two-year suspension for violating the anti-corruption code. The ICC noted that six months of that ban were suspended.
Point of View
I believe this situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining integrity in sports. Saliya Saman's lengthy ban serves as a stern warning to all athletes about the severe repercussions of engaging in corrupt practices. Our commitment to transparency and accountability in sports remains unwavering, and we hope this event reinforces the necessity of upholding ethical standards in cricket.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Saliya Saman banned for?
Saliya Saman was banned for five years for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption Code during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League.
When did the ban take effect?
The ban took effect retroactively from September 13, 2023.
Who else was charged along with Saliya Saman?
Saman was charged alongside several others, including Pune Devils franchise co-owners and players involved in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
What are the implications of this ban?
The implications include a significant setback for Saman's career and a broader message about the importance of integrity in cricket.
What is the ICC's stance on corruption in cricket?
The ICC takes a strong stance against corruption and is committed to preserving the integrity of the sport through rigorous enforcement of anti-corruption codes.
