Cricket

Lanka Premier League Terminates Contract with Dambulla Thunders Amid Corruption AllegationsThe Lanka Premier League (LPL) has taken swift action by terminating its contract with the Dambulla Thunders franchise with immediate effect. This decision comes after the arrest of Thunders owner Tamim Rahman in Colombo on Wednesday.Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi origin, was apprehended by the Sri Lankan police prior to boarding a flight. The arrest is reportedly linked to corruption within the LPL, although specific details remain unclear at this time.The LPL has not released an official statement regarding the termination of the Thunders' contract. However, sources within the league have confirmed the move, citing the severity of the allegations against Rahman.The Dambulla Thunders were one of five teams participating in the inaugural edition of the LPL, which is currently underway in Sri Lanka. The franchise had won two of its first three matches before the news of Rahman's arrest broke.The LPL is a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket league that was launched in 2020. The tournament features some of the world's top cricketers, including Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Lasith Malinga.The arrest of Rahman and the subsequent termination of the Dambulla Thunders' contract have cast a shadow over the LPL. The league has pledged to cooperate fully with the police investigation and has vowed to take all necessary steps to maintain the integrity of the competition.

Goa Police Bust IPL Betting Racket, Arrest 16The Goa Crime Branch Police have cracked down on an illegal Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket betting racket, apprehending 16 individuals allegedly involved in the operation.Acting on intelligence, the police raided a location in Porvorim, North Goa, on Monday, where they detained the suspects. Fifteen of the accused are from Gujarat, while one is from Uttar Pradesh.The accused are accused of facilitating bets through mobile and online platforms during the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.The police seized a significant amount of evidence from the suspects, including cash worth Rs 12,670, 46 mobile phones, one tablet, nine laptops, one internet router, and various gaming electrical accessories, with a total value of Rs 15 lakh.The Goa Crime Branch Police are investigating the matter further to uncover the network of individuals involved in the illegal betting racket.The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal betting activities, which can undermine the integrity of sporting events and lead to financial losses for participants.