Dambulla Thunders : In a shocking turn of events, the Dambulla Thunders, one of the five franchises slated to compete in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, have been abruptly terminated. This decision follows the arrest of their owner, Tamim Rahman, on charges of match fixing, throwing the team’s future into uncertainty just a day after the highly anticipated player auction.
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The Rise and Fall of Dambulla Thunders
The Dambulla Thunders, previously known as Dambulla Aura, underwent an ownership change after the 2023 season. This rebranding marked a new chapter for the franchise, which had high hopes for the upcoming season. However, these hopes were dashed when Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi origin, was apprehended in Colombo on May 22, accused of corruption and match fixing.
Arrest and Charges
Rahman’s arrest was executed by the special investigation unit of the sports ministry at the Colombo International Airport. He was detained while attempting to board a flight, and the Colombo Magistrate’s Court has since remanded him in custody until May 31. This development has not only led to the termination of the Dambulla Thunders’ contract but also raised serious concerns about corruption within the LPL.
Impact on Players and the League
The sudden termination leaves 24 players, including notable names like Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman, without a team. These players, who were expected to shine in the upcoming season, now face uncertainty regarding their participation. The league, scheduled to start on July 1, now scrambles to address the void left by the Thunders exit.
Dambulla Thunders Squad for LPL 2024
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Nuwan Thushara
- Dushan Hemantha
- Praveen Jayawickrama
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Lahiru Udara
- Akila Dananjaya
- Danushka Gunathilaka
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Nuwan Pradeep
- Ranesh Silva
- Sohan de Livera
- Hazmatullah Zazai
- Karim Janat
- Asela Gunaratne
- Lahiru Madushanka
- Rusanda Gamage
- Mithun Jayawickrama
- Ayana Siriwardhana
- Sonal Dinusha
- Haider Ali
- Santhush Gunathilaka
LPL’s Stance on Integrity
The LPL’s decision to terminate the Dambulla Thunders’ contract underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the league. This is the first instance of an LPL official being arrested since the league’s inception four years ago. Under Sri Lanka’s stringent sports laws, those found guilty of match fixing face severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Future of the Franchise
The future of the Dambulla Thunders remains uncertain. The team, which had already changed owners three times since the league’s beginning in 2020, now requires new ownership to continue. Last year’s owners faced financial fraud charges, adding to the franchise’s tumultuous history. As the league navigates this crisis, it is unclear if a new franchise will be introduced before the LPL 2024 season commences.
The termination of the Dambulla Thunders franchise marks a significant moment in the LPL’s history, highlighting the ongoing battle against corruption in sports. As the league strives to uphold its reputation and ensure a fair competition, the abrupt end of the Thunders serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in cricket. The LPL management is working diligently to address the repercussions of this termination and to ensure the upcoming season proceeds smoothly.
FAQ
Why was the Dambulla Thunders contract terminated?
The contract was terminated due to the arrest of their owner, Tamim Rahman on match fixing charges
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