Manjot Kalra Arrested: Former India Under-19 star and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested on Friday by Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports over allegations of attempting to bribe a player ahead of the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL).
The arrest came just hours before the start of the sixth edition of the LPL. Kalra was taken into custody by the anti-corruption unit and later produced before a magistrate.
The 27-year-old rose to prominence after scoring a match-winning century in India’s victory over Australia in the final of the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Earlier this year, he entered cricket franchise ownership by becoming a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings.
According to Sri Lankan police, Kalra allegedly approached a player with a monetary offer around 10 days before the tournament began. The player reportedly informed the authorities, prompting an investigation that resulted in Friday’s arrest.
Police said the complaint was lodged by Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, all members of the Jaffna Kings squad.
The development coincided with Jaffna Kings’ opening match of the 2026 LPL against Galle Gladiators at the SSC Grounds in Colombo. The five-team tournament features 24 matches and will run until August 8.
The LPL has previously faced scrutiny over allegations of match-fixing, bribery and corruption. Earlier this year, the owner of another franchise received a four-year suspended prison sentence after admitting to attempting to influence a player and organise betting activities in violation of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption laws. The court also imposed a fine of 24 million Sri Lankan rupees.
In an official statement, Sri Lanka Cricket acknowledged reports of Kalra’s arrest and said it would fully cooperate with the Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports if requested during the investigation. It is important to note that the allegations are currently under investigation, and no court has found Kalra guilty of any offence.
