Punjab Royals manager sentenced for match-fixing attempt in 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy

Kandy: The Kandy High Court has sentenced Indian national Akash Pachlodia to two 2-year terms of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years, over allegations of match-fixing during the 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy in Sri Lanka.

Police said that the High Court also imposed a fine of Rs 11 million after Pachlodia pleaded guilty to attempted match-fixing during the tournament.

Pachlodia served as the Team Manager for Punjab Royals in the 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy, which took place in Pallekele in March 2024, Daily mirror reported.

Earlier, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued an order preventing Indian cricket manager Yoni Patel and Akash Pachlodia from leaving the country due to match-fixing allegations.

The Legends Cricket League tournament, featuring seven teams of retired international cricketers, was held in March at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

The magisterial inquiry began following a complaint by former Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga, representing the Kandy Samp Army team and New Zealand legend Neil Broom, representing the Punjab Royals.

Both alleged that they were pressured into engaging in match-fixing deals.