Former India U-19 World Cup-winning cricketer Manjot Kalra has suffered another setback in Sri Lanka after a Colombo court rejected his bail plea in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) match-fixing investigation. The 2018 U-19 World Cup final hero, who is also a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise, will remain in judicial custody as authorities continue to probe the alleged corruption case.
Kalra and fellow accused Yuvraj Pushpa had approached the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court seeking bail after being remanded until July 31. Their lawyer, K.W.S. Fernando, argued that both were facing health issues and requested their release on humanitarian grounds.
However, prosecutors opposed the plea, stating that the Sri Lanka Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports was still conducting a detailed investigation and that granting bail at this stage could affect the probe.
After hearing both sides, Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama rejected the bail application, allowing the existing remand order to continue.
The investigation began after Sri Lankan internationals Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage allegedly reported approaches linked to corruption during the tournament. Court proceedings also revealed that two more domestic cricketers have since come forward with similar complaints, expanding the scope of the investigation.
The controversy has also had significant consequences for the Jaffna Kings. Last week, Innovative Production Group (IPG), the commercial rights holder of the Lanka Premier League, along with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), terminated the franchise agreement with Sports Commune, the ownership group associated with Kalra.
Following the termination, IPG and SLC took direct control of the franchise to ensure the team’s continued participation in the tournament.
The ownership change followed serious financial issues within the franchise. Sponsorship payments were reportedly delayed, forcing players to cover sponsor logos on their jerseys with black tape during the team’s July 22 match. Tournament organisers later released emergency funds, helping clear nearly 90 per cent of the outstanding payments owed to players, coaches and support staff.
The Lanka Premier League, featuring five franchises and 24 matches, is scheduled to conclude on August 8. While the Jaffna Kings continue to compete under new management, Kalra’s legal future remains uncertain as Sri Lankan authorities continue their investigation into the alleged match-fixing case.
