New Delhi: India’s former Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kala has been arrested by corruption investigators in Sri Lanka on Friday on charges of bribing players in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to news agency PTI.Kalra, who scored a match-winning century at the end of India’s successful 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, was arrested by the Police Special Investigation Unit for Prevention of Offenses Related to Sports. He then appeared before a magistrate.The 27-year-old was part of the Indian team that won the 2018 Under-19 World Cup under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw. The team also featured future Indian players Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi. Kalra was the hero in the final, unbeaten on 101 as India defeated Australia to lift the trophy.According to the Sri Lankan police, Kalra is accused of giving money to players in the Lankan Premier League.The arrest came just hours before the start of the race. Kalra is one of the owners of Jaffna Kings.
They want to pay bribes
The 27-year-old, who moved into the sports business after playing, became a businessman at Jaffna Kings earlier this year. According to investigators, the actor who allegedly found him reported the matter to authorities 10 days later, which led to Kalra’s arrest on Friday.Police said the complaint was filed by Sri Lankan cricketers Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage. All three represent Jaffna Kings in the LPL.Kalra’s arrest came on the opening day of the 2026 Lanka Premier League, when Jaffna Kings were to face Galle Gallants at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.The five-team competition has 24 matches and ends on August 8.
Sri Lanka Cricket Answers
In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket said it was aware of Kalra’s arrest and would fully cooperate with the Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports should any assistance be requested.The organization also said that the competition will continue as planned without interruption.Reiterating its “zero tolerance” policy on corruption and misconduct, Sri Lanka Cricket said it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the Lanka Premier League.
