NEW DELHI: Former India Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra was arrested by Sri Lanka’s sports anti-corruption investigators on Friday over allegations of attempting to bribe a player during the Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to news agency PTI.Kalra, who struck a match-winning century in the final of India’s victorious 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, was taken into custody by the Police Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. He was later produced before a magistrate.The 27-year-old was part of India’s title-winning 2018 Under-19 World Cup squad led by Prithvi Shaw. The team also featured future India internationals Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi. Kalra was the hero of the final, remaining unbeaten on 101 as India defeated Australia to lift the trophy.According to Sri Lankan police, Kalra is accused of offering money to a player in connection with the Lanka Premier League.The arrest came just hours before the start of the tournament. Kalra is one of the co-owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise.
Alleged bribery attempt
The 27-year-old, who moved into sports entrepreneurship after his playing career, became an investor in the Jaffna Kings franchise earlier this year. According to investigators, the player who was allegedly approached informed the authorities about the incident around 10 days later, which eventually led to Kalra’s arrest on Friday.Police said the complaint was filed by Sri Lanka cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage. All three represent the Jaffna Kings in the LPL.Kalra’s arrest came on the opening day of the 2026 Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to take on Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.The five-team competition consists of 24 matches and will conclude on August 8.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s response
In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket said it had taken note of Kalra’s reported arrest and would fully cooperate with the Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports if any assistance was sought during the investigation.The board also said the tournament would go ahead as scheduled without any disruption.Reiterating its “zero-tolerance” policy towards corruption and unethical practices, Sri Lanka Cricket said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Lanka Premier League.
