ICC bans Sri Lankan cricketer Saliya Saman for 5 years – full story of corruption charges.
Cricket has faced many storms over the years, and one of its biggest challenges is corruption. Recently, Saliya Saman, a former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer, became the latest player to fall under the spotlight. The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned him from all cricket for five years after he was found guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption code.
This decision has shaken fans, especially in Sri Lanka, where Saman enjoyed a long domestic career. But what exactly happened? Let’s break down the story.
Who is Saliya Saman?
Born on 25 November 1985 in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, Saliya Saman made his mark in the domestic cricket scene. He represented clubs like Chilaw Marians and Galle Cricket Club, proving himself as a reliable all-rounder.
He started his professional journey in 2004 with his Twenty20 debut and continued to be a steady performer in Sri Lankan domestic tournaments.
Career Highlights
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First-Class Cricket: 101 matches, 3,662 runs, and 231 wickets. His best bowling figures were an impressive 8/53.
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List A Matches: 77 appearances, 898 runs, and 84 wickets.
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T20s: 47 games, 673 runs at a strike rate of 129.92, and 58 wickets.
Saman was not just a bowler but also a handy batsman and a sharp fielder, making him a complete package for domestic cricket.
Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021 – The Background
The Abu Dhabi T10 League is one of the shortest and most thrilling formats of cricket, played in the UAE. In 2021, Saman was part of the Pune Devils franchise. Unfortunately, this tournament became the setting for a corruption scandal that would later end his career.
The Anti-Corruption Code Explained
The ECB Anti-Corruption Code exists to protect cricket’s integrity. It covers everything from match-fixing to betting approaches and improper influence.
Saman was charged under three critical articles:
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2.1.1 – Being party to an attempt to fix or influence matches.
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2.1.3 – Offering rewards to another player to engage in corruption.
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2.1.4 – Soliciting or inducing others to breach the code.
Specific Charges Against Saliya Saman
The tribunal found Saman guilty of attempting to recruit another player. He allegedly promised that the player would get to play all fixtures if he agreed to manipulate two of them. This act was considered a direct attempt to involve others in corruption.
The Tribunal and Its Verdict
The case was heard by a three-member tribunal:
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Nigel Peters KC
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Justice Zak Yacoob
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Harish Salve KC (Chairman)
After hearing all arguments and reviewing the evidence, the tribunal declared Saman guilty on all three charges. Their decision showed how seriously cricket authorities treat even the attempt to fix matches.
The Timeline of the Ban
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September 13, 2023 – Saman was provisionally suspended.
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2024 – Official ban announced by ICC.
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The five-year ban was backdated, meaning it started from September 2023.
Connection to Other Players in the Case
Saman was not alone. Eight people linked to the Pune Devils were charged. Among them was Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain, who received a two-year ban in early 2024. This shows how widespread the corruption attempts were during the Abu Dhabi T10.
How Match-Fixing Attempts Were Prevented
Thanks to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit and the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO), these attempts were stopped before they damaged the game. Their vigilance ensured that fans could still trust the results of the T10 matches.
Impact on Saliya Saman’s Career
Sadly, this ban means the end of Saman’s professional journey. He last played in the SLC Twenty20 Tournament in March 2021, and now he won’t be able to return to cricket at any level until 2028. His once-promising domestic career now ends in controversy.
Why Match-Fixing Threatens Cricket
Match-fixing is like a disease for cricket—it destroys the trust of fans and players alike. When even one game is manipulated, the entire sport’s credibility takes a hit. That’s why ICC takes corruption so seriously.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles with Corruption in Cricket
This isn’t the first time a Sri Lankan player has faced corruption charges. Over the past decade, multiple players have been banned or investigated. Such cases continue to damage the reputation of Sri Lankan cricket internationally.
Reactions from Cricketing Circles
Many cricket experts and fans expressed disappointment. While some felt sympathy for Saman’s lost career, most agreed that zero tolerance is the only way to keep cricket clean.
Lessons for Future Players
Young cricketers can learn an important lesson here: stay away from corruption at all costs. Even being associated with an attempt can end a career. Education and awareness about the anti-corruption code are essential for future generations.
The ban on Saliya Saman is a reminder that no player, no matter how experienced, is above the rules. While his domestic career had bright moments, it will now be remembered for the wrong reasons. For cricket to survive and thrive, integrity must always come first.
FAQs
1. Why was Saliya Saman banned?
He was banned for attempting to fix matches and offering rewards to other players to engage in corruption.
2. How long is his ban?
He has been banned for five years, backdated to September 2023.
3. Did Saliya Saman play international cricket?
No, he played only in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit.
4. Was anyone else punished in the Abu Dhabi T10 case?
Yes, eight people were charged, including Bangladesh’s Nasir Hossain, who received a two-year ban.
5. What is the lesson for young cricketers?
Stay alert, refuse corrupt approaches, and report them immediately to keep the game clean.