Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reiterated its “zero tolerance” for corruption after India’s Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings owner Manjot Kalra was arrested on charges of trying to lure a player into cheating during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).In a statement released hours after Kalra’s arrest on Friday, the island nation’s cricket body said the ongoing investigation would not affect the conduct of the LPL and pledged its “full cooperation” to the Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in preventing sports-related crimes.“Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Lanka Premier League 2026, will give its full cooperation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for Prevention of Offenses Related to Sports if any assistance is required in any investigation related to this matter,” the SLC said.The organization confirmed that the five-team tournament, which started on Friday at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, will go ahead as scheduled.
SLC will repeat the zero tolerance policy
Reaffirming their commitment to protecting the integrity of the competition, the SLC said it will not tolerate corruption, wrongdoing or foul play by anyone involved in the league.“As the governing body of the Lanka Premier League 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterates its unwavering commitment to protect the integrity of the competition and will not tolerate corruption, malpractice, or misconduct by anyone involved in the league,” the statement said.The organization added that a lot of security has already been put in place before the tournament.According to the SLC, the Anti-Corruption Unit has been working together with the SIU to strengthen the anti-corruption policy in the league. It has also appointed Integrity Mentors, an independent anti-corruption and integrity organization in sports, to provide technical support and training for all competitions.“Cricket in Sri Lanka has a zero tolerance policy for corruption and unethical practices and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League 2026,” the organization added.
Kalra is imprisoned
Kalra, 27, was arrested by the SIU and later handed over to a magistrate, who remanded him in custody till July 31, according to local media reports.An Indian national, identified as Yuvraj Pushpa, was also arrested in the case and was remanded in custody after being released from court, according to news agency PTI.Police said Kalra tried to give money to a player associated with the Lankan Premier League. Reports in Sri Lanka said the complaints were made by Jaffna Kings players Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, prompting an anti-corruption investigation.Kalra rose to prominence in 2018 when he hit an unbeaten 101 in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, leading India, led by Prithvi Shaw, to the title. The team also featured future Indian players Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi.After quitting professional cricket, Kalra entered the sports business and became the business owner of Jaffna Kings earlier this year.His arrest came on the first day of the Lanka Premier League, where Jaffna Kings were scheduled to face Galle Gallants. While the investigation continues, Sri Lanka Cricket has insisted that the tournament will go on without disruption, stressing that anti-corruption measures will remain in place to ensure the league is not compromised.
