{"id":4554,"date":"2025-08-16T22:27:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-16T16:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/?p=4554"},"modified":"2025-08-16T22:27:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T16:57:20","slug":"saliya-saman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/2025\/08\/16\/saliya-saman\/","title":{"rendered":"SL Domestic Player Saliya Saman Banned for Five Years: Full Story of the ICC Anti-Corruption Verdict"},"content":{"rendered":"<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"3382\"><em>ICC bans Sri Lankan cricketer Saliya Saman for 5 years \u2013 full story of corruption charges.<\/em><\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"3382\">Cricket has faced many storms over the years, and one of its biggest challenges is corruption. Recently, <strong data-start=\"3080\" data-end=\"3096\">Saliya Saman<\/strong>, a former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer, became the latest player to fall under the spotlight. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icc-cricket.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"3196\" data-end=\"3235\">International Cricket Council (ICC)<\/strong><\/a> banned him from all cricket for <strong data-start=\"3268\" data-end=\"3282\">five years<\/strong> after he was found guilty of breaching the <strong data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3379\">Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption code<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3540\">This decision has shaken fans, especially in Sri Lanka, where Saman enjoyed a long domestic career. But what exactly happened? Let\u2019s break down the story.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3545\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3574\"><strong data-start=\"3550\" data-end=\"3574\">Who is Saliya Saman?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3810\">Born on <strong data-start=\"3584\" data-end=\"3629\">25 November 1985 in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka<\/strong>, Saliya Saman made his mark in the domestic cricket scene. He represented clubs like <strong data-start=\"3715\" data-end=\"3733\">Chilaw Marians<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"3738\" data-end=\"3760\">Galle Cricket Club<\/strong>, proving himself as a reliable <strong data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3807\">all-rounder<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3812\" data-end=\"3956\">He started his professional journey in 2004 with his Twenty20 debut and continued to be a steady performer in Sri Lankan domestic tournaments.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"3961\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3963\" data-end=\"3987\"><strong data-start=\"3966\" data-end=\"3987\">Career Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3989\" data-end=\"4256\">\n<li data-start=\"3989\" data-end=\"4113\">\n<p data-start=\"3991\" data-end=\"4113\"><strong data-start=\"3991\" data-end=\"4015\">First-Class Cricket:<\/strong> 101 matches, 3,662 runs, and 231 wickets. His best bowling figures were an impressive <strong data-start=\"4102\" data-end=\"4110\">8\/53<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4114\" data-end=\"4179\">\n<p data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4179\"><strong data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4135\">List A Matches:<\/strong> 77 appearances, 898 runs, and 84 wickets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4180\" data-end=\"4256\">\n<p data-start=\"4182\" data-end=\"4256\"><strong data-start=\"4182\" data-end=\"4191\">T20s:<\/strong> 47 games, 673 runs at a strike rate of 129.92, and 58 wickets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4258\" data-end=\"4385\">Saman was not just a bowler but also a handy batsman and a sharp fielder, making him a complete package for domestic cricket.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4390\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4441\"><strong data-start=\"4395\" data-end=\"4441\">Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021 \u2013 The Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4443\" data-end=\"4720\">The <strong data-start=\"4447\" data-end=\"4471\">Abu Dhabi T10 League<\/strong> is one of the shortest and most thrilling formats of cricket, played in the UAE. In 2021, Saman was part of the <strong data-start=\"4584\" data-end=\"4609\">Pune Devils franchise<\/strong>. Unfortunately, this tournament became the setting for a corruption scandal that would later end his career.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4722\" data-end=\"4725\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4727\" data-end=\"4768\"><strong data-start=\"4730\" data-end=\"4768\">The Anti-Corruption Code Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4770\" data-end=\"4928\">The <strong data-start=\"4774\" data-end=\"4802\">ECB Anti-Corruption Code<\/strong> exists to protect cricket\u2019s integrity. It covers everything from match-fixing to betting approaches and improper influence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4930\" data-end=\"4984\">Saman was charged under <strong data-start=\"4954\" data-end=\"4981\">three critical articles<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"4986\" data-end=\"5201\">\n<li data-start=\"4986\" data-end=\"5057\">\n<p data-start=\"4989\" data-end=\"5057\"><strong data-start=\"4989\" data-end=\"4998\">2.1.1<\/strong> \u2013 Being party to an attempt to fix or influence matches.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5058\" data-end=\"5134\">\n<p data-start=\"5061\" data-end=\"5134\"><strong data-start=\"5061\" data-end=\"5070\">2.1.3<\/strong> \u2013 Offering rewards to another player to engage in corruption.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5135\" data-end=\"5201\">\n<p data-start=\"5138\" data-end=\"5201\"><strong data-start=\"5138\" data-end=\"5147\">2.1.4<\/strong> \u2013 Soliciting or inducing others to breach the code.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr data-start=\"5203\" data-end=\"5206\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5208\" data-end=\"5252\"><strong data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5252\">Specific Charges Against Saliya Saman<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5254\" data-end=\"5515\">The tribunal found Saman guilty of attempting to <strong data-start=\"5303\" data-end=\"5329\">recruit another player<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5517\" data-end=\"5520\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5522\" data-end=\"5557\"><strong data-start=\"5525\" data-end=\"5557\">The Tribunal and Its Verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5559\" data-end=\"5611\">The case was heard by a <strong data-start=\"5583\" data-end=\"5608\">three-member tribunal<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5613\" data-end=\"5698\">\n<li data-start=\"5613\" data-end=\"5636\">\n<p data-start=\"5615\" data-end=\"5636\"><strong data-start=\"5615\" data-end=\"5634\">Nigel Peters KC<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5637\" data-end=\"5663\">\n<p data-start=\"5639\" data-end=\"5663\"><strong data-start=\"5639\" data-end=\"5661\">Justice Zak Yacoob<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5664\" data-end=\"5698\">\n<p data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5698\"><strong data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5696\">Harish Salve KC (Chairman)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5700\" data-end=\"5909\">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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5911\" data-end=\"5914\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5916\" data-end=\"5946\"><strong data-start=\"5919\" data-end=\"5946\">The Timeline of the Ban<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"5948\" data-end=\"6142\">\n<li data-start=\"5948\" data-end=\"6011\">\n<p data-start=\"5950\" data-end=\"6011\"><strong data-start=\"5950\" data-end=\"5972\">September 13, 2023<\/strong> \u2013 Saman was provisionally suspended.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6012\" data-end=\"6057\">\n<p data-start=\"6014\" data-end=\"6057\"><strong data-start=\"6014\" data-end=\"6022\">2024<\/strong> \u2013 Official ban announced by ICC.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6058\" data-end=\"6142\">\n<p data-start=\"6060\" data-end=\"6142\">The <strong data-start=\"6064\" data-end=\"6081\">five-year ban<\/strong> was <strong data-start=\"6086\" data-end=\"6099\">backdated<\/strong>, meaning it started from September 2023.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"6144\" data-end=\"6147\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6149\" data-end=\"6195\"><strong data-start=\"6152\" data-end=\"6195\">Connection to Other Players in the Case<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6197\" data-end=\"6456\">Saman was not alone. <strong data-start=\"6218\" data-end=\"6260\">Eight people linked to the Pune Devils<\/strong> were charged. Among them was <strong data-start=\"6290\" data-end=\"6329\">Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain<\/strong>, who received a two-year ban in early 2024. This shows how widespread the corruption attempts were during the Abu Dhabi T10.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6458\" data-end=\"6461\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6463\" data-end=\"6510\"><strong data-start=\"6466\" data-end=\"6510\">How Match-Fixing Attempts Were Prevented<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6512\" data-end=\"6756\">Thanks to the <strong data-start=\"6526\" data-end=\"6556\">ICC\u2019s Anti-Corruption Unit<\/strong> and the <strong data-start=\"6565\" data-end=\"6611\">Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO)<\/strong>, these attempts were stopped before they damaged the game. Their vigilance ensured that fans could still trust the results of the T10 matches.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6758\" data-end=\"6761\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6763\" data-end=\"6801\"><strong data-start=\"6766\" data-end=\"6801\">Impact on Saliya Saman\u2019s Career<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6803\" data-end=\"7063\">Sadly, this ban means the end of Saman\u2019s professional journey. He last played in the <strong data-start=\"6888\" data-end=\"6929\">SLC Twenty20 Tournament in March 2021<\/strong>, and now he won\u2019t be able to return to cricket at any level until 2028. His once-promising domestic career now ends in controversy.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7065\" data-end=\"7068\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7070\" data-end=\"7111\"><strong data-start=\"7073\" data-end=\"7111\">Why Match-Fixing Threatens Cricket<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7113\" data-end=\"7331\">Match-fixing is like a disease for cricket\u2014it destroys the trust of fans and players alike. When even one game is manipulated, the entire sport\u2019s credibility takes a hit. That\u2019s why ICC takes corruption so seriously.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7333\" data-end=\"7336\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7338\" data-end=\"7393\"><strong data-start=\"7341\" data-end=\"7393\">Sri Lanka\u2019s Struggles with Corruption in Cricket<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7395\" data-end=\"7629\">This isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7631\" data-end=\"7634\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7636\" data-end=\"7676\"><strong data-start=\"7639\" data-end=\"7676\">Reactions from Cricketing Circles<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7678\" data-end=\"7860\">Many cricket experts and fans expressed disappointment. While some felt sympathy for Saman\u2019s lost career, most agreed that <strong data-start=\"7801\" data-end=\"7819\">zero tolerance<\/strong> is the only way to keep cricket clean.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7862\" data-end=\"7865\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7867\" data-end=\"7900\"><strong data-start=\"7870\" data-end=\"7900\">Lessons for Future Players<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7902\" data-end=\"8153\">Young cricketers can learn an important lesson here: <strong data-start=\"7955\" data-end=\"7997\">stay away from corruption at all costs<\/strong>. Even being associated with an attempt can end a career. Education and awareness about the <strong data-start=\"8089\" data-end=\"8113\">anti-corruption code<\/strong> are essential for future generations.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"8155\" data-end=\"8158\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"8160\" data-end=\"8177\"><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"8179\" data-end=\"8449\">The ban on <strong data-start=\"8190\" data-end=\"8206\">Saliya Saman<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"8451\" data-end=\"8454\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"8456\" data-end=\"8467\"><strong data-start=\"8459\" data-end=\"8467\">FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"8469\" data-end=\"8615\"><strong data-start=\"8469\" data-end=\"8504\">1. Why was Saliya Saman banned?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8504\" data-end=\"8507\" \/>He was banned for attempting to fix matches and offering rewards to other players to engage in corruption.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8617\" data-end=\"8716\"><strong data-start=\"8617\" data-end=\"8644\">2. How long is his ban?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8644\" data-end=\"8647\" \/>He has been banned for <strong data-start=\"8670\" data-end=\"8684\">five years<\/strong>, backdated to September 2023.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8718\" data-end=\"8825\"><strong data-start=\"8718\" data-end=\"8769\">3. Did Saliya Saman play international cricket?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8769\" data-end=\"8772\" \/>No, he played only in Sri Lanka\u2019s domestic circuit.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8827\" data-end=\"8992\"><strong data-start=\"8827\" data-end=\"8885\">4. Was anyone else punished in the <a href=\"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/?s=Abu+Dhabi+T10\">Abu Dhabi T10<\/a> case?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8885\" data-end=\"8888\" \/>Yes, eight people were charged, including Bangladesh\u2019s <strong data-start=\"8943\" data-end=\"8960\">Nasir Hossain<\/strong>, who received a two-year ban.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8994\" data-end=\"9136\"><strong data-start=\"8994\" data-end=\"9041\">5. What is the lesson for young cricketers?<\/strong><br data-start=\"9041\" data-end=\"9044\" \/>Stay alert, refuse corrupt approaches, and report them immediately to keep the game clean.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICC bans Sri Lankan cricketer Saliya Saman for 5 years \u2013 full story of corruption charges. Cricket has faced many storms over the years, and one of its biggest challenges&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4556,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"no","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"twitter_205606689_205606689":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[{"account":"twitter_205606689_205606689","service":"twitter","timestamp":1755363460,"status":"error"}],"rop_publish_now_status":"done","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,16,5],"tags":[4493,4492,4491],"class_list":["post-4554","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local","category-local-home","category-sport","tag-saliya-saman-cricket","tag-saliya-saman-cricket-ban","tag-saliya-saman-stats"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4554","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4554"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4555,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4554\/revisions\/4555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ceylondailynews.lk\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}