Shaheen Afridi's Frustration Over Impact Player Incident in LPL

Shaheen Afridi's Complaint to Anti-Corruption Unit

Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) after an unexpected incident led to his exclusion from a match. The management of Kandy Royals had informed Afridi that he would be participating as an 'impact player' in their game against the Colombo Capitals. This rule, similar to that used in the IPL, was adopted by the Sri Lankan league in 2026.

Coach's Apology and Afridi's Reaction

Following the match, the coach expressed regret to Afridi, explaining that an analyst's error had resulted in his name being omitted from the impact player list. Afridi was understandably upset and chose to return to Pakistan after discussing the matter with an Anti-Corruption Unit officer. The team management and league officials later apologized and convinced him to remain in Sri Lanka after the issue was raised with the match referee. The LPL stated that the confusion stemmed from the match referee receiving an incorrect team sheet.

Afridi's Performance and Ongoing Controversies

In his initial game for Kandy Royals, Afridi recorded figures of 1/41, followed by performances of 2/34 and 1/32 in subsequent matches. This incident occurs amid broader turmoil within the tournament. Manjot Kalra, the owner of Jaffna Kings and a former under-19 cricket player from India, was arrested by Sri Lanka's Special Investigation Unit just before the LPL commenced, under suspicion of match-fixing. After the revocation of the team's ownership rights, Sri Lanka Cricket and the league organizers were left to manage the fallout.

Reports indicate that Kalra attempted to bribe Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage, and Avishka Fernando with over USD 30,000 to influence match outcomes. Following the players' report to the Special Investigations Unit, they were advised to negotiate a settlement. Kalra and another individual were subsequently arrested after they allegedly arrived at a predetermined location with an advance payment.