Punjab Royal’s Akash indicted for alleged corruption
View(s):By Ranjith Padmasiri
Kandy Magistrate’s Court indicted Pachalodia Akash, an Indian national who was the manager of the Panjab Royal team that participated in the Legends World Cricket Trophy tournament in March, for his alleged involvement in corruption.
Following the indictment, High Court Judge Dharshika Wimalasiri granted him bail. Akash was released on a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 2mn each. Additionally, a travel ban was imposed until the case’s conclusion following objections from Senior State Counsel Udara Karunaratne to a request made by President Counsel Tilak Marapana on behalf of the accused. They were also instructed to appear before the Special Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Sports every two weeks.
Former New Zealand player Neil Broom and English cricketer Phil Mustard, representing the Punjab Royals, claimed they were coerced into engaging in match-fixing deals during the tournament. They faced charges under the Prevention of Offences relating to Sports Act. The case is scheduled to resume on August 02, 2024.