2018 U-19 World Cup Hero Manjot Kalra Arrested in Sri Lanka… Bribery Allegations Rock Lanka Premier League

Former India Under-19 batting star Manjot Kalra has been arrested in Sri Lanka over alleged bribery charges linked to the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL), casting a shadow over the tournament’s opening day.

Kalra, who recently became one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise, was taken into custody on Friday by the Sri Lanka Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. He was later produced before a magistrate as investigations into the case continued.

The arrest came just hours before the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League officially got underway.

Alleged bribery attempt under investigation

According to Sri Lankan investigators, Kalra is accused of offering money to a player in an alleged attempt to influence matters related to the tournament.

Police said the alleged approach took place around 10 days before the start of the competition. The player reportedly informed authorities about the incident, prompting an investigation that eventually led to Kalra’s arrest.

Investigators further stated that the complaint was lodged by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage, all of whom are members of the Jaffna Kings squad.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the nature of the alleged bribery attempt, and the investigation remains ongoing.

From World Cup hero to franchise owner

Manjot Kalra rose to national prominence in 2018 when he scored a memorable unbeaten century against Australia in the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, helping India lift the title.

The left-handed batter was regarded as one of India’s brightest young prospects before moving into franchise ownership earlier this year through an investment in the Jaffna Kings.

His arrest has therefore come as a major surprise within cricketing circles.

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LPL begins amid controversy

The incident surfaced on the opening day of the 2026 Lanka Premier League, with Jaffna Kings scheduled to face Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.

The five-team tournament features 24 matches and is scheduled to conclude on August 8.

Despite the controversy, the league is expected to continue as planned.

LPL’s history of corruption concerns

The Lanka Premier League has previously faced allegations relating to corruption, including claims involving match-fixing, bribery and illegal betting.

Earlier this year, the owner of another LPL franchise received a four-year suspended prison sentence after admitting to attempting to influence a player and organising betting activities in violation of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption laws. The court also imposed a fine of 24 million Sri Lankan rupees.

Following Kalra’s arrest, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said it is aware of the developments and will fully cooperate with the Special Investigation Unit if requested during the course of the investigation.

As legal proceedings continue, the case is expected to attract significant attention across the cricketing world given Kalra’s role as both a former World Cup-winning player and an LPL franchise co-owner.