The Magistrate's Court in Colombo has remanded former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra until July 31 following his arrest over alleged corruption in the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL). Kalra, who co-owns the Jaffna Kings franchise alongside entrepreneur Mayank Goel, was arrested on July 16 and brought before the court on July 17.
During the court proceedings, investigators alleged that Kalra approached three Jaffna Kings players—Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sri Lankan national players Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando—offering them more than USD 30,000 to influence match outcomes. The prosecution stated that they possess recorded phone conversations and video evidence to substantiate these claims.
The court heard that after being approached, the players immediately notified the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. Acting on SIU instructions, the players negotiated a payment of LKR 11.5 million, with LKR 9.5 million set as an advance. Kalra and an unidentified second individual were arrested when the latter delivered a bag containing the advance payment to an agreed location.
Kalra's defense counsel strongly denied the allegations, arguing that there is no concrete evidence showing Kalra offered or paid any bribe. Although the defense requested bail, the Chief Magistrate denied the application, ruling that releasing Kalra could compromise the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued on his behalf, Kalra rejected the charges and stated that he is fully cooperating with the authorities to clear his name. Having represented India with honor, Kalra emphasized that he understands the integrity expected in Indian sports and has remained committed to those values throughout his career. The statement added that Kalra became a minority shareholder in the league in good faith, following rigorous background and due diligence checks that confirmed his clean reputation.
His legal team, led by Senior Counsel Mr. K Wasantha S Fernando, Attorney at Law, expressed confidence in disproving the allegations. They stated they will take all legal avenues to expose those responsible for implicating Kalra while assisting the court in achieving justice. The news of the arrest emerged just hours before the LPL season opener, in which the Jaffna Kings suffered a 36-run defeat against the Galle Gallants.
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