Former India U-19 cricketer and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra has been remanded in Sri Lanka following bribery allegations. The investigation concerns an attempted inducement of players ahead of the Lanka Premier League season. Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the tournament will proceed as scheduled despite the ongoing legal proceedings.
Manjot Kalra, a former standout of India's 2018 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, has been taken into custody by authorities in Sri Lanka. The arrest, confirmed on Friday, relates to allegations of bribery involving the Lanka Premier League. Kalra, who serves as a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise, was apprehended by the Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.
Bribery Allegations and Legal Status
The investigation follows reports that an attempt was made to induce a player prior to the start of the tournament's sixth edition. According to official reports, the complaint was initiated by several players who alerted authorities regarding the matter approximately ten days before the arrest. Along with an Indian associate named Yuvraj Pushpa, Kalra was presented before a local magistrate and has been remanded in custody until July 31, 2026. This legal action marks a significant setback for the franchise owner, as investigations into the alleged corruption continue.
Impact on Lanka Premier League Operations
Despite the gravity of the arrest, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that the tournament will continue as planned. The board has publicly stated its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement agencies and maintaining the integrity of the league. The event, which includes five teams competing across 24 matches, is scheduled to run until August 8, 2026. For stakeholders and participants, the primary monitorable remains the outcome of the ongoing police investigation and whether the findings lead to further regulatory action against the franchise or its management. The board is expected to provide further updates as the judicial process unfolds.