Saliya Saman Banned for 5 Years Over Match-Fixing in Abu Dhabi T10 2021
Former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer Saliya Saman has been banned from all forms of cricket for five years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaking the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.
Saliya Saman Player Profile: Personal Details & Teams
| Player | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pitigala Arachchi Saliya Saman Jeewantha |
| Born | November 25, 1985, Balapitiya |
| Age | 39 years 263 days |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium-fast |
| Playing Role | Allrounder |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in |
| Education | Rewatha College, Balapitiya |
| Teams | Basnahira North, Galle Cricket Club, Kandurata, Lankan Cricket Club, Ragama Cricket Club, Sri Lanka Under-17s, Sri Lanka Under-19s |
The 39-year-old was one of eight people charged in September 2023 for offences linked to the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League. According to the tribunal, Saman tried to fix matches in the tournament. However, quick action by the ICC and the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) stopped the corruption attempts before they could happen.
Saman’s ban started from 13 September 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended. This means he has already served two years of his punishment.
The ECB charged Saman under:
Saliya Saman was charged under Articles 2.1.1, 2.1.3, and 2.1.4 of the ECB Code, which cover attempts to fix matches, match-fixing, and inducing others to engage in corrupt conduct.
- Article 2.1.1 – Trying to fix or influence matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.
- Article 2.1.3 – Offering rewards to others in exchange for corrupt activities.
- Article 2.1.4 – Encouraging or pressuring others to break anti-corruption rules.
Saliya Saman had a strong domestic career in Sri Lanka:
- In his first-class cricket career, he played 101 matches, 3,662 runs (avg. 27.95), 2 centuries, 22 fifties, highest score of 129. Took 231 wickets (best 8/53).
- List A cricket: 77 matches, 898 runs, best score 65. Took 84 wickets.
- T20 cricket: 673 runs at a strike rate of 129.92, highest 78*, two fifties. Took 58 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
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