The cricketing fraternity went into shock after Sri Lankan Police on Wednesday arrested Tamim Rahman, owner of Dambulla Thunders. Tamim Rahman is the owner of Dambulla Thunders which is a franchise in the Sri Lankan Premier League (LPL). Tamim Rahman was stopped at Colombo International Airport when he was about to board a Dubai-bound flight. Tamim Rahman was stopped at the airport in the direction of the special investigation unit of the sports ministry and thereafter, he was arrested. Now, the question arises who is Tamum Rahman and why he has been arrested?
Who is Tamim Rahman?
As per reports, Tamim Rahman is a British national of Bangladesh origin. Tamim was arrested following a court order to detain him on suspicion of match-fixing. Rahman was remanded in custody till May 31 pending further investigations. He was being investigated under two provisions of the Sports Act related to match fixing and attempting to organise betting. The Dambulla franchise was bought by Imperial Sports Group, led by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, in April.
Tamim Rahman was reportedly being investigated under two provisions of the country's sports act related to match-fixing and attempting to place bets. The LPL is scheduled to take place between July 1 and 21. Reacting to the development, LPL rights holder IPG group chairman Anil Mohan was quoted saying, "We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and professionalism and will continue to support all our teams, players, and fans during this transition."
For the unversed, Sri Lanka is the first South Asian country to criminalise match-fixing and corruption in sports. It passed a law against the menace in 2019. Anyone found guilty can be jailed for up to 10 years and also be required to pay fines.
Notably, Dumbulla Thunders' contract has also been terminated from the LPL. The Dambulla franchise is one of two new teams - apart from Galle Marvels - with new owners. Prominent international players such as Mustafizur Rahman, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya, Danushka Gunathilaka, Nuwan Pradeep, Ibrahim Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Karim Janat and Iftikhar Ahmed are a part of the Thunders squad.