Dubai — Sri Lankan cricketer Saliya Saman has been banned from all cricket for five years following a corruption probe linked to the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League. The decision, announced by the ICC, follows a detailed investigation into match-fixing attempts involving the now-defunct Pune Devils franchise.
Saman was found guilty of violating multiple sections of the Emirates Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Code, including attempts to fix matches and recruit other players for corrupt activity. His suspension, which began provisionally in September 2023, has now been formalized and backdated.
The ICC confirmed that Saman’s actions included offering incentives to teammates and facilitating breaches of the code. He was one of eight individuals charged in connection with the scandal, which also led to a two-year ban for Bangladesh’s Nasir Hossain.
Before his suspension, Saman had built a solid domestic career, featuring in over 100 first-class matches and nearly 50 T20s. His last professional appearance came in March 2021.
Parts of the tribunal’s findings remain confidential to protect witnesses and third parties involved in the case.