Manjot Kalra Held Following Investigators Setting Up Alleged Bribery Sting: Report

Former India U19 opener Manjot Kalra has been remanded for the rest of the month after he was arrested in connection with a corruption case in the ongoing Lanka Premier League, according to a report in Cricinfo, although he has denied all charges and added that he will cooperate with all the concerned authorities.

Kalra, one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings team alongside entrepreneur Mayank Goel, was produced before the court on Friday.

As per local media reports, the court was told that Kalra had approached Jaffna Kings cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando during LPL 2026.

Investigators alleged that Kalra offered the trio more than USD 30,000 (more than Rs 28 lakh) to influence game outcomes and claimed to possess

recorded phone conversations and video evidence to support the allegations.

As per local media reports of the court proceedings, the players informed the Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports after the initial approach.

Acting on the SIU’s instructions, they negotiated a payment of LKR 11.5 million (over Rs 33 lakh), including an advance of LKR 9.5 million (more than Rs 27 lakh). Kalra and another unnamed individual were arrested after the latter arrived at a pre-arranged location carrying a bag containing the advance payment, the reports added.

The defence rejected the allegations, arguing that there was no evidence to suggest Kalra had offered or paid a bribe. His legal team sought bail, but the Chief Magistrate denied the request, observing that granting bail at this stage could hamper the ongoing investigation.

“Having had the privilege of representing India with honour, Mr Kalra fully understands the responsibility and integrity expected of those associated with Indian sport,” a statement from Kalra’s team said.

“Throughout his career, he has remained committed to upholding those values. Mr Kalra became a co-owner in the league as a minority shareholder, entering the venture in good faith and with complete integrity,” the statement added.