Manjot Kalra Arrested in Sri Lanka for Alleged Bribery in Lanka Premier League
Former Indian Under-19 cricket star Manjot Kalra was arrested in Sri Lanka on Friday, facing accusations of trying to bribe players during the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Kalra, who gained fame for scoring a century in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup final, is now a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise. His arrest occurred just hours before the tournament’s opening match, following an operation by the Police Special Investigation Unit aimed at preventing sports-related offenses.
At 27 years old, Kalra has shifted from being a professional cricketer to a sports entrepreneur. He became part of the Jaffna Kings ownership ahead of the 2026 season. Sri Lankan authorities allege that he attempted to bribe players about ten days prior to his arrest. The complaint was made by Sri Lankan international players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage, who are all part of the Jaffna Kings team.
According to police reports, Kalra was apprehended at a hotel in Colombo while allegedly getting ready to pay 9.5 million Sri Lankan rupees (approximately USD 28,700) to a player. The player reported the incident to investigators shortly after Kalra’s initial approach, leading to the investigation that culminated in his arrest. After his detention, Kalra was brought before a magistrate.
A Cloud Over the Lanka Premier League
Kalra’s arrest raises concerns over the integrity of the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League, which began on Friday with the Jaffna Kings competing against the Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo. This five-team tournament will feature a total of 24 matches and is expected to conclude on August 8.
The incident adds to the ongoing issues regarding corruption in the LPL. Earlier this year, the owner of the Dambulla Thunders, Tamim Rahman, received a four-year suspended prison sentence for trying to sway a player and organize betting schemes. He was also fined 24 million Sri Lankan rupees under the country’s anti-corruption laws.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) responded to Kalra’s arrest by reaffirming its commitment to a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding corruption and unethical behaviors. The board expressed its intent to fully cooperate with the investigation while assuring that the tournament would proceed as planned.
Manjot Kalra is best remembered by Indian fans for his impressive unbeaten 101 runs during the final of the 2018 Under-19 World Cup against Australia, a match in which India claimed the championship under captain Prithvi Shaw. However, just eight years later, he finds himself embroiled in a major scandal within the Lanka Premier League.
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