Darts Star Prakash Jiwa Hit with Eight-Year Ban After Being Found Guilty of Match Fixing — Official Statement Released

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the professional darts community, Prakash Jiwa has been handed an eight-year ban after being found guilty of match-fixing and betting offenses. The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) announced the decision following a thorough investigation, marking one of the most severe punishments ever handed down in the sport’s history.

The DRA, in partnership with the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, uncovered that Jiwa manipulated the outcomes of four matches during a 2023 Modus Super Series event. Additionally, he was found to have placed bets on the very games he participated in — a blatant breach of the sport’s integrity rules.

In its official statement, the DRA condemned Jiwa’s actions, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. “Integrity is the cornerstone of professional darts, and we are committed to ensuring that every match is contested fairly and free from outside influence. Mr. Jiwa’s actions undermined that principle and tarnished the sport’s reputation,” the statement read.

As a result of these findings, Jiwa has been banned from all DRA-sanctioned events until November 6, 2031, effectively ending his professional career. Alongside the suspension, Jiwa was slapped with a hefty fine of £17,741.46. The 54-year-old retains the right to appeal the ruling until March 19.

A Career in Disgrace

Jiwa’s fall from grace is all the more dramatic given his long career in darts. A three-time holder of a PDC Tour Card, Jiwa faced off against some of the sport’s biggest names, including Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright, in Players Championship events. His lone appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship came in 2023, where he suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Madars Razma.

Away from the oche, Jiwa worked as a warehouse manager, balancing his professional life with his darts ambitions. Now, with the ban in place, his future in the sport appears bleak.

A Widening Scandal

Jiwa’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent months, darts has been rocked by multiple match-fixing scandals, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight. In December 2024, former darts prodigy Leighton Bennett was also handed an eight-year ban for fixing four matches and other related offenses. Similarly, Billy Warriner faced a ten-year ban for his involvement in match-fixing activities.

John Pierce, a representative of the Gambling Commission, highlighted the importance of rooting out corruption in the sport. “This decision sends a clear message: betting-related corruption will not be tolerated. Protecting the integrity of sports is a top priority,” Pierce stated.

Fallout and Reaction

The darts community has reacted with a mixture of shock and disappointment at the revelations. Fans have expressed frustration, with many calling for harsher penalties for those found guilty of manipulating match outcomes. Prominent players have also weighed in, with some demanding greater transparency and improved monitoring to prevent further scandals.

Jiwa’s sponsors and affiliates have been quick to distance themselves from the disgraced player. One sponsor released a statement expressing their “deep disappointment” and confirming the immediate termination of their relationship with him.

The Road Ahead

As the DRA works to restore faith in the sport, this latest scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in competition. The authority has pledged to increase its vigilance, implementing stricter measures to prevent future instances of match-fixing.

For Jiwa, the path back to redemption seems uncertain. With his reputation in tatters and an eight-year ban looming over his head, the road to recovery — if there is one — will be long and arduous. As the dust settles on this dark chapter in professional darts, the sport looks ahead, hopeful that this serves as a wake-up call to safeguard its future.