LPL 2026: SLC strips Sports Commune of Jaffna Kings ownership after Manjot Kalra's arrest

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Innovative Production Group (IPG), the rights holder for the Lanka Premier League 2026 (LPL 2026), have officially terminated their franchise agreement with Sports Commune, revoking its ownership of the Jaffna Kings. The decision follows the arrest of former India Under-19 cricketer and franchise co-owner Manjot Kalra, which led to the collapse of the team's financial structure.

IPG and SLC have taken over all player, coaching, and support-staff contracts to stabilise the franchise. The intervention has helped ease the franchise's financial crisis after Sports Commune failed to disburse sponsorship funds, forcing players to cover sponsor logos on their jerseys with black tape during their fixture against Colombo Kaps on July 22.

"The termination follows the franchisee's inability to fulfil its financial obligations under the terms of the franchise agreement. As a result, all rights relating to the Jaffna Kings franchise have reverted to IPG, which, together with Sri Lanka Cricket, has assumed full operational control of the team,” IPG said in a statement as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Emergency funds have been used to clear around 90% of the outstanding salaries owed to players and support staff, with IPG committing to settle the remaining dues in line with contractual timelines.

The IPG also revealed that the decisions will not impact the Jaffna Kings’ participation in the LPL 2026, and they will continue to play the tournament under the same name and the same set of players as per the tournament’s schedule.

"IPG confirms that the 6th edition of the LPL will proceed as scheduled and Jaffna Kings will continue to participate in the tournament under the same nomenclature, with no changes to the squad, tournament format, or match schedule," IPG said.

The financial breakdown stemmed from the franchise's commercial model, under which sponsors paid the owners directly, who were then responsible for distributing the salaries. The payment pipeline collapsed following Manjot Kalra's arrest by Sri Lankan authorities on corruption charges. He remains in judicial custody until July 31. According to ESPNCricinfo, Jaffna Kings’ co-owner, entrepreneur Mayank Goel, has not been contactable.

Jaffna Kings off to a good start in LPL 2026

IPG CEO Anil Mohan said that the decision has been taken to protect the integrity of the players, coaches, partners and fans.

"While this was a difficult decision, our priority has always been to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League and ensure complete stability for our players, coaches, partners, and fans. Together with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have acted swiftly to ensure the Jaffna Kings continue to participate in the tournament without disruption. We want to assure everyone that all operational matters, including player contracts, staff commitments, and team logistics, are being managed seamlessly. The sixth edition of the LPL will proceed as planned, and we remain fully committed to delivering another successful and world-class tournament,” IPG CEO Anil Mohan said in the release.

Meanwhile, despite the off-field controversies, Jaffna Kings are in the middle of a good campaign, having won two out of three matches so far. They’re ranked third on the LPL 2026 points table with four points. They will next take on Galle Gallants on Thursday, July 23 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.