Former India U-19 star Manjot Kalra faces match-fixing allegations in Lanka Premier League

Former India Under-19 player Manjot Kalra has been put in remand by the Magistrate's Court in Colombo until July 31, following charges of corruption in the ongoing Lankan Premier League 2026 (LPL 2026). Kalra co-owns Jaffna Kings franchise along with entrepreneur Mayank Goel and was presented in court on July 17, following his arrest.

According to local media reports, the court was told that Kalra allegedly approached three Jaffna Kings players ahead of LPL 2026, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando, attempting to fix matches. Investigators claimed that he offered the players more than USD 30,000 to influence the outcome of games and they had recorded phone conversations and video evidence to back the allegations.

Following the approach, the players reportedly alerted the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports. Acting on the SIU's instructions, they are said to have negotiated a deal worth LKR 11.5 million, including an advance payment of LKR 9.5 million. According to reports of the court proceedings, Kalra and another unidentified individual were arrested after the latter arrived at a pre-arranged location carrying a bag containing the advance payment.

Kalra's defence counsel denied all allegations, arguing there was no evidence that he had offered or paid a bribe. A bail application was rejected, with the Chief Magistrate ruling that granting bail could hamper the ongoing investigation.

In a statement issued on his behalf, Kalra denied any wrongdoing, saying he was "fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation" and was "confident that the facts will establish his innocence and clear his name." The 27-year-old was a part of India's 2018 Under-19 World Cup winning squad and played for Delhi in domestic cricket.

"Having had the privilege of representing India with honour, Mr. Kalra fully understands the responsibility and integrity expected of those associated with Indian sport. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to upholding those values. Mr. Kalra became a co-owner in the league as a minority shareholder, entering the venture in good faith and with complete integrity,” the statement said as per ESPNCricinfo.

Jaffna Kings loses LPL 2026 opener

“Prior to his association, the league conducted all requisite background and due diligence checks, which confirmed his clean reputation As the matter is currently under investigation, Mr. Kalra will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and will refrain from making any further comments at this stage. He remains confident that the truth will prevail,” it added.

Kalra’s arrest was made hours before the LPL 2026 season opener between  Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants, where Kings lost by 36 runs.