Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reiterated its “zero-tolerance” stance on corruption following the arrest of former India Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra over allegations of attempting to induce a player into corrupt activity during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
In a statement released just hours after Kalra’s arrest on Friday, SLC stressed that the ongoing investigation would not affect the tournament and pledged its full cooperation to the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.
“Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Lanka Premier League 2026, will extend its fullest cooperation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports should any assistance be sought in connection with any inquiry arising from the matter,” SLC said.
The board also confirmed that the five-team tournament, which got underway on Friday at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, will continue as scheduled.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of the competition, SLC made it clear that corruption, misconduct, or unethical behaviour by any stakeholder would not be tolerated.
“As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the tournament and will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or foul play by any stakeholder associated with the league,” the statement added.
SLC further revealed that several preventive measures had already been put in place ahead of the tournament. Its Anti-Corruption Unit has been working closely with the government’s SIU, while Integrity Mentors, an independent sports integrity organisation, has been appointed to conduct education programmes and oversee integrity protocols throughout the tournament.
“Sri Lanka Cricket has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026,” the board said.
Kalra, 27, was arrested by the SIU on Friday and later produced before a magistrate, who remanded him in custody until July 31, according to local media reports. Another Indian national, Yuvraj Pushpa, was also detained in connection with the investigation.
Authorities allege that Kalra attempted to offer money to a player participating in the LPL. Reports suggest that the complaint was lodged by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage, prompting the investigation.
Kalra shot to fame in 2018 after scoring an unbeaten 101 in India’s victory over Australia in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final. Captained by Prithvi Shaw, the squad also featured future India internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and Shivam Mavi.
Having entered sports ownership earlier this year with an investment in the Jaffna Kings franchise, Kalra’s arrest came on the opening day of the LPL, where the team was scheduled to face the Galle Gladiators. Despite the controversy, Sri Lanka Cricket has assured that the tournament will continue uninterrupted under stringent anti-corruption safeguards.
