Former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra has been taken into custody in Sri Lanka on allegations of attempting to bribe players during the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The arrest occurred on Friday, just hours before the opening match of the tournament. Kalra, who gained fame for scoring a century in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup final, is now one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise.

According to reports, the Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports arrested Kalra while he was at a hotel in Colombo. He allegedly attempted to offer money to a player following an approach made approximately ten days earlier. The accusation has sparked serious scrutiny from Sri Lankan authorities.

The investigation was reportedly initiated following a complaint lodged by several Sri Lankan internationals, including Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage, all of whom are members of the Jaffna Kings squad. They claimed that Kalra sought to induce them with financial incentives during the tournament.

Implications for the Lanka Premier League

The arrest has raised concerns about the integrity of the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League, which commenced on Friday. The first match featured the Jaffna Kings competing against the Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo. The tournament consists of five teams and will conclude on August 8, featuring a total of 24 matches.

This situation is not the first instance of controversy surrounding the LPL. Earlier this year, the owner of the Dambulla Thunders, Tamim Rahman, received a suspended prison sentence of four years for attempting to influence a player and facilitating betting activities. Rahman was also fined 24 million Sri Lankan rupees in connection with these charges.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has acknowledged the arrest of Kalra. In a statement, they reiterated their commitment to a “zero-tolerance” policy towards corruption and unethical practices within the sport. The board has also declared its intent to assist investigators as needed, affirming that the tournament would proceed as scheduled without any disruptions.

Kalra’s Background and Previous Achievements

Manjot Kalra is most recognised for his role in India’s triumph at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. He delivered a remarkable unbeaten 101 runs in the final against Australia, which was instrumental in India securing the championship title under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw. This performance solidified his reputation as a promising young cricketer on the international stage.

Over the past few years, Kalra has shifted his focus from being a player to engaging in sports entrepreneurship. He became part of the ownership group for the Jaffna Kings ahead of the 2026 season, a move that marked his transition into a new phase of his career. However, this recent scandal has now overshadowed his achievements.

As investigations continue, the implications for both Kalra and the integrity of the LPL remain uncertain. His career’s trajectory, once seen as a promising future in cricket, is now marred by serious allegations that have attracted significant media attention and public scrutiny.

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