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Just ahead of the start of the Lanka Premier League (LPL 2026), major and shocking news has emerged. Former cricketer Manjot Kalra, who played a pivotal role in India's 2018 Under-19 World Cup victory, has been arrested by the Sri Lankan police on charges of corruption and match-fixing. The Colombo Magistrate's Court has remanded him to judicial custody until July 31.
Manjot Kalra is currently a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the LPL. Following his arrest on July 16, he was produced before the court on July 17.
What are the allegations? (Offer of $30,000)
According to local media reports, Manjot Kalra is accused of approaching fellow Sri Lankan players from the Jaffna Kings franchise—Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage, and Avishka Fernando—to fix match results.
- Investigators informed the court that an offer exceeding 30,000 US dollars (approximately ₹25 lakh) was made to the players.
- The police also possess voice recordings and video evidence related to the case.
A Trap Set Through the Players' Astuteness
When the players were approached for match-fixing, they immediately informed the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) established to combat sports-related crime.
- Acting on the SIU's instructions, the players continued their dialogue with Kalra and finalized a deal worth 11.5 million Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).
- Of this amount, 9.5 million LKR was to be paid as an advance.
- As soon as the bag containing the advance payment was delivered to the designated location, the police arrested Manjot Kalra and an associate (Yuvraj Pushpa) red-handed.
Manjot Kalra's Stance: "I Am Completely Innocent"
Meanwhile, Manjot Kalra's lawyer categorically denied all allegations in court, stating that there was no concrete evidence of bribery or match-fixing. A bail plea was moved, but the Chief Magistrate denied bail, citing concerns that the investigation could be compromised.
An official statement issued on Kalra's behalf read:
"I refute all these false allegations and am fully cooperating with the administration in the investigation. I am confident that the truth will emerge and I will be exonerated. Having represented India, I deeply understand the dignity and integrity of the sport. I invested in this league as a minority shareholder with complete transparency."
Senior Counsel K. Vasantha S. Fernando, representing Kalra's legal team, expressed confidence that they would legally refute these charges and expose the conspiracy to frame Kalra.
Impact on the Field
This news broke on the very day the first match of the LPL 2026 was scheduled to take place. In the opening match played under the shadow of this controversy, Manjot Kalra's team, Jaffna Kings, suffered a crushing 36-run defeat at the hands of Galle Gallants.
