NEW DELHI: India’s former Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra was arrested by Sri Lankan sports anti-corruption investigators on Friday on charges of attempting to bribe a player during the Lanka Premier League (LPL), according to news agency PTI.Kalra, who hit a match-winning century in the final of India’s victorious ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018 campaign, was taken into custody by the Police’s Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Sports-Related Offences. He was then produced before a magistrate.The 27-year-old was part of India’s title-winning Under-19 World Cup 2018 squad led by Prithvi Shaw. The team also featured future Indian 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 the Sri Lankan police, Kalra is accused of offering money to a player in connection with the Lankan 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 attempted bribery
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 authorities about the incident about 10 days later, which eventually 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 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 Answer
In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket said it had taken note of Kalra’s arrest and would cooperate fully with the Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of Sports-Related Offenses if assistance was sought during the investigation.The board also said the tournament will go ahead as scheduled without any interruption.Reiterating its ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption and unethical practices, Sri Lanka Cricket said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Lankan Premier League.