Former India Under-19 opener Manjot Kalra has been remanded in custody until July 31 after being arrested in connection with a corruption case linked to the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. Kalra has denied all allegations and said he will cooperate fully with the authorities investigating the matter.
Kalra, who is a minority co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise alongside entrepreneur Mayank Goel, was produced before a magistrate court on Friday following his arrest by Sri Lanka’s Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports (SIU).
According to local media reports, the court was informed that Kalra allegedly approached Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando during LPL 2026. Investigators claimed that Kalra offered the trio more than USD 30,000 (approximately ₹28 lakh) in an attempt to influence match outcomes.
The SIU further alleged that it possesses recorded phone conversations and video evidence related to the case. Reports from the court proceedings stated that the players alerted the SIU after the initial approach was made.
Acting under the SIU’s guidance, the players reportedly negotiated a payment of LKR 11.5 million (around ₹33 lakh), including an advance of LKR 9.5 million (approximately ₹27 lakh). Kalra and another unnamed individual were allegedly arrested after the latter arrived at a pre-arranged location carrying a bag containing the advance payment.
Kalra’s defence team strongly rejected the allegations, arguing that there was no evidence to prove that he had offered or paid a bribe. His lawyers sought bail, but the Chief Magistrate denied the request, observing that granting bail at this stage could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued by Kalra’s representatives, the former cricketer reiterated his innocence and commitment to cooperating with the authorities.
“Having had the privilege of representing India with honour, Mr Kalra fully understands the responsibility and integrity expected of those associated with Indian sport. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to upholding those values,” the statement said.
“Mr Kalra became a co-owner in the league as a minority shareholder, entering the venture in good faith and with complete integrity,” it added.
Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he scored an unbeaten century in India’s victory over Australia in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final. The investigation into the alleged corruption case is ongoing.
