Accused ‘Legends’ fixers’ case to be heard here

The Attorney General’s Department has filed indictments against Indian nationals Yogi Patel and P. Akash who were involved in the unsanctioned Legends Cricket League in Kandy last month on charges of attempting to fix matches at the Matale and Kandy High Courts.

The Indians are accused of attempting to fix matches in the Legends Cricket League held between March 8 and 19 at Pallekele International Stadium in central Kandy district. Patel owns the Kandy Swamp Army team in the league, while Akash manages Punjab Royals.

Patel faces charges at the Matale High Court based on a complaint by former Sri Lanka ODI captain Upul Tharanga, the current chairman of national selectors who represented Kandy Swamp Army. Akash will stand trial at the Kandy High Court, with the complaint made by ex-New Zealand player Neil Broom.

Patel’s request to lift the travel ban was denied by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage last week. Patel’s lawyers sought the ban’s removal to visit his wife post-surgery.

However, Attorney-at-Law Udara Karunathilaka, representing the AG’s department, opposed the request, stating that actions would be taken in the High Court. In response to the Chief Magistrate’s inquiry, Karunathilake mentioned that the accused provided no supporting documents for the request. The Chief Magistrate instructed Yogi Patel to submit the documents to the court by April 29 and file any objections by May 17.

Both Patel and Akash were granted release on Rs. 500,000 personal bail and Rs. 10 million surety each by the Chief Magistrate.

Preliminary investigations showed that Tharanga reported the approach to the SIU, while Broom informed New Zealand Cricket, who then alerted ICC investigators.

Sri Lanka became the first South Asian country to criminalize sports-related offenses, barring individuals in the betting and gaming industry from using insider information. Patel and Akash could face a ban up to 10 years or a fine not exceeding Rs. 100 million, or both.