Manjot Kalra, the former India Under-19 batter who is now a co-owner of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings, was arrested on Friday by Sri Lanka’s sports anti-corruption investigators
over allegations of attempting to bribe a player.
The arrest was made just hours before the start of the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League. Kalra was taken into custody by the Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports and was later produced before a magistrate.
Kalra, 27, came into the spotlight after scoring a century in India’s victory over Australia in the final of the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Earlier this year, he entered sports ownership by investing in the Jaffna Kings franchise.
Sri Lankan police alleged that Kalra attempted to offer money to a player in connection with the ongoing tournament. Investigators said the approach was made around 10 days before the competition began, with the player reporting the matter to the authorities, triggering the investigation that led to Friday’s arrest.
Police said the complaint was filed by Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, all of whom are members of the Jaffna Kings squad.
The development coincided with the opening day of the 2026 LPL, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo. The five-team tournament consists of 24 matches and will run until August 8.
The LPL has previously been under the scanner over allegations related to 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 a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket acknowledged Kalra’s reported 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.
The board also confirmed that the tournament would continue as planned and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and other unethical practices, stressing its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the league.
With PTI Inputs
