The Kandy High Court sentenced Akash Pachlodia, an Indian who pleaded guilty to the charge of match-fixing in the 2024 Legends Cup cricket tournament held in Sri Lanka, to two years of imprisonment with hard labor suspended for 10 years. In addition, he has been fined 11 million rupees.
This Indian served as the manager of the Punjab Royals team in the 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy held at Pallekele in March 2024.
The Legends Cricket League tournament featuring seven teams of retired international cricketers was held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in March. The magisterial inquiry was initiated following a complaint by former Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga representing the Kandy Samp Army team and New Zealand player Neil Broom representing the Punjab Royals team.
Both alleged that they were pressured into match-fixing deals.
Kandy Samp Army owner Yoni Patel and Punjab team manager Akash Pachlodia were banned by the court from leaving the country on the charge of match fixing.