Dambulla Thunders' LPL contract terminated - Cricbuzz

Sri Lanka Cricket and IPG, the rights holders of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), have terminated the contract of Dambulla Thunders. The development emerged the day after LPL held a player auction and claimed it to be a huge success. The organisers acted against the Dambulla franchise management after it was revealed that a franchise official Tamim Rahman, a Bangladeshi national, who is the CEO of the Imperial Sports Group that manages the Thunders, was arrested by Colombo Police over allegations of match-fixing. In Sri Lanka, several offences related to match-fixing are considered criminal as per law. The Dambulla franchise is one of two new teams - apart from Galle Marvels - with new owners. Prominent international players such as Mustafizur Rahman, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Akila Dananjaya, Danushka Gunathilaka, Nuwan Pradeep, Ibrahim Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Karim Janat and Iftikhar Ahmed are a part of the Thunders squad. "The LPL will go ahead as scheduled, we will run the side if we can't find an owner in time for the LPL. In the past, we managed two sides and we are ready to take a financial hit," an LPL official told Cricbuzz. The LPL is scheduled to run this year from July 1 to 21. There are five teams in the league. Apart from the Thunders, B-Love Kandy, Colombo Strikers, Galle Marvels, and Jaffna Kings are the other four teams. Kusal Mendis is the captain of the Thunders. "We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and professionalism and will continue to support all our teams, players and fans during this transition." LPL rights holder IPG Group chairman Anil Mohan said. "While the specifics of the charges against Mr. Rahman remain unclear, the integrity and smooth running of the Lanka Premier League are of utmost importance," an LPL statement said. "This termination/retraction of rights aims to uphold the values and reputation of the LPL, ensuring that all participants adhere to the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship. The LPL management is working diligently to address the consequences of this termination/ retraction of rights and to ensure minimal disruption to the upcoming season." LPL, started in 2020, has had four editions and the Kandy franchise are the defending champion.